Navy Weapons Base Returns Ancient Human Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, VA, plans to return Native American human remains found on its land to the Pamunkey Indian Tribe or other eligible groups starting February 18, 2025. If no one claims the remains by January 16, 2026, they’ll be considered unclaimed. This is part of respecting Native American heritage and following important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Pamunkey Tribe Given Priority
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe has priority to receive the human remains described in this notice. The remains represent at least one Native American individual recovered at site 44YO0002 on April 9, 2003.
Disposition Date and Claim Deadline
Disposition of the human remains may occur on or after February 18, 2025. If no written claim for disposition is received by January 16, 2026, the remains will become unclaimed human remains.
Who May File a Claim
Written claims for disposition may be sent by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization identified in the notice. Other lineal descendants or tribes not identified may also claim if they demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that they have priority; requests for joint disposition are treated as a single request.
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Key Dates
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