North Dakota sets aside money to return Native American remains

The State Historical Society can use up to $500,000 from the state's general fund to meet federal grave protection and return requirements. The money supports compliance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, including returning ancestral remains and culturally important items. The society may use only as much of the $500,000 as necessary. All money received for these efforts must go into a separate account overseen by the Office of Management and Budget. The funding covers the two-year period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027.

The State Historical Society must form a committee to prioritize return efforts and set rules for carrying them out. Members include preservation officers or their chosen representatives from North Dakota tribes with agreements under chapter 54-40.2, plus representatives of the State Historical Society, Indian Affairs Commission, and attorney general's office. Each participating tribe must provide matching money of up to $100,000. The committee must address staffing, training, consultation, timelines, and documentation.

This funding provision does not authorize new scientific studies of Native American ancestral remains or burial property, and the money cannot pay for those studies. The restriction covers ancestral remains and burial property described in the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.