ASU Catalogs Six Ancestral Remains for Tribal Return in Arizona
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Arizona State University has finished checking and listing human remains and related items found at an Arizona archaeological site. These remains belong to at least six people and are connected to Native American tribes. Starting February 17, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes, making this a respectful step toward honoring their heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Inventory Identifies Six Native Remains
Arizona State University completed an inventory showing human remains representing at least six individuals were removed from the Sce:dag˘ Mu:val Va'aki site in Maricopa County, AZ. The collection includes 38 associated funerary objects (listed by lot types) and the site was occupied between A.D. 1150 and 1500.
Repatriation Eligible Starting Feb 17, 2026
The notice states that repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after February 17, 2026. Authorized representatives must receive written requests sent to the ASU contacts listed in the notice.
Specific Tribes Named as Affiliated Parties
ASU determined a cultural affiliation between the remains/objects and these tribes: Ak-Chin Indian Community; Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Indian Reservation, Arizona; Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation, Arizona; Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona; and the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico.
Who May Request and Competing Request Rules
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe/NHO who proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, ASU's repository must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests count as a single request.
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