University of Miami Returns 30 Ancient Skeletons Found Underwater to Tribes
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Miami has finished checking and identifying 30 ancient human remains found underwater in Florida. These remains are linked to Native American tribes from the Archaic Period, and they’re ready to be returned starting April 16, 2025. This means Native communities can reclaim their ancestors, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
30 Native American Remains Identified
The University of Miami identified human remains representing at least 30 individuals (474 skeletal elements) from the Little Salt Spring site in Sarasota County, Florida, dated to the Archaic Period. The remains are currently housed in the University of Miami Department of Anthropology and have no associated funerary objects.
Recognized Tribal Cultural Affiliation
The University of Miami determined the remains are culturally affiliated with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Those named Tribes are explicitly identified as affiliated parties in the notice.
Repatriation Request Rules and Timing
Repatriation may occur on or after April 16, 2025. Written requests may be submitted by any one or more of the identified Tribes or by a lineal descendant or other Tribe/organization that demonstrates cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; competing requests must be resolved by the University of Miami and joint requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Substances Present
The University of Miami reports there is no known presence of any potentially hazardous substances in the human remains or the materials recovered from Little Salt Spring. This applies to the remains currently held at the University's Anthropology Department.
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