Forest Service Offers Up Native Ancestors' Remains for Claim
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Forest Service in Durango, Colorado, plans to return the remains of at least 10 Native American individuals and some pottery pieces to their rightful descendants or tribes starting April 16, 2025. If no one claims them by March 17, 2026, these remains and objects will be considered unclaimed. This action respects Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Listed Tribes Have Repatriation Priority
If you are a lineal descendant or a member of one of the listed tribes, the Forest Service intends to return human remains (at least 10 individuals) and one lot of 10 pottery sherds to the priority tribes or descendants. Disposition may occur on or after April 16, 2025, and the Forest Service has identified a specific list of tribes with priority for these remains.
Remains Become Unclaimed After Deadline
If no written claim for disposition is received by March 17, 2026, the human remains and associated funerary objects described (at least 10 individuals and one lot of 10 pottery sherds) will be considered unclaimed. After that date the items will be treated as unclaimed human remains and funerary objects.
Non-Listed Claimants Can Submit Evidence
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed may submit a written claim and may obtain priority for disposition if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they have priority. Claims must be sent to the Forest Service official at the address listed and will be considered alongside listed claimants.
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Key Dates
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