2025-23350Notice

Kansas University Digs Up Paperwork to Return Ancestral Remains Home

Published Date: 12/19/2025

Notice

Summary

The University of Kansas has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains linked to several tribes, including the Delaware Nation and Shinnecock Indian Nation. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and make sure the remains go back to their rightful communities.

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tribes May Request Repatriation on Jan 20, 2026

The Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), Delaware Tribe of Indians, Shinnecock Indian Nation, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community can request the return of the human remains described in this notice. Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026, and requests may also be submitted by lineal descendants or other tribes/organizations that show cultural affiliation.

University Identifies Remains as Native American

The University of Kansas determined the human remains represent at least one individual of Native American ancestry and identified a cultural affiliation to the Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe of Indians, Shinnecock Indian Nation, and Stockbridge Munsee Community. The notice records that no associated funerary objects are present and includes provenance information such as writing on the bone reading "Colonial Grave, c. 1683, Bayside, Long Island, New York."

University Decides Between Competing Requests

If competing repatriation requests are received, the University of Kansas must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
12/19/2025
1/20/2026

Department and Agencies

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Interior Department
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