2025-23192Notice

Kansas University Lists 52 Unclaimed Native Ancestors for Return

Published Date: 12/18/2025

Notice

Summary

The University of Kansas finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and artifacts and found no direct descendants or tribes connected to them. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains and items can be returned if requested. This update affects many tribes who were invited to consult, but no cultural ties were found, so the university is ready to repatriate these ancestors and their belongings.

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Repatriation Available Starting Jan 20, 2026

The University of Kansas has 52 Native American human remains and one lot of funerary objects that may be returned to lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations upon request starting January 20, 2026.

Who Can Request and Evidence Standard

Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written repatriation request and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are an eligible claimant; joint requests count as a single request and competing requests must be resolved by the University of Kansas before repatriation occurs.

Kaw Nation Agreed to Reburial Responsibility

The Kaw Nation, Oklahoma has agreed to accept responsibility for the reburial of the individuals described in this notice.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
12/18/2025
1/20/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
National Park Service
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