Illinois Archaeology Center Lists Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Center for American Archeology in Illinois has finished listing human remains and burial items from ancient Native American sites. These remains, linked to local tribes, can be returned starting May 18, 2026. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors’ remains and artifacts, with no money involved but lots of respect and history restored.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available May 18, 2026
You can request the return of human remains and funerary objects starting on May 18, 2026. The Center for American Archeology may repatriate remains and objects to eligible Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or lineal descendants after that date.
Named Tribes Identified for Repatriation
The notice lists specific Indian Tribes identified as culturally affiliated and potential recipients, including Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Forest County Potawatomi Community (WI); Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi; Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; Kaw Nation; Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Omaha Tribe of Nebraska; Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians; Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians; Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Ponca Tribe of Nebraska; Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation; Quapaw Nation; Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma; Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa; Shawnee Tribe; and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Any one or more of those Tribes, or a lineal descendant or other Tribe/organization that demonstrates cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence, may submit repatriation requests.
Inventory: 158 Individuals, 667 Objects
The inventory lists human remains representing at least 158 Native American individuals and 667 associated funerary objects. The objects include items such as one raptor skeleton, one snake skeleton, 643 freshwater beads, a copper awl, and a red pipestone gorget, from multiple mound groups in Pike County, Illinois.
No Hazardous Treatments Used
The Center for American Archeology states that no potentially hazardous materials were used to treat any of the remains or associated funerary objects. This may affect handling and safety assessments for tribes or descendants receiving the items.
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