Northwestern University to Repatriate Ancient Wisconsin Native Remains
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Northwestern University finished checking some very old Native American human remains found in Wisconsin and confirmed they belong to local tribes. Starting April 17, 2025, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This is a respectful step to honor Native American history, with no costs or deadlines for the public to worry about.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation allowed starting April 17, 2025
The human remains described in this notice can be returned to tribes or descendants on or after April 17, 2025. The remains represent at least three individuals found in Racine, Wisconsin, and repatriation may begin on that date.
Remains culturally affiliated with named tribes
Northwestern University determined the human remains are Native American and culturally affiliated with the following: Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin; Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin; Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma; Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin; Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma; Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation; Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska; Sac & Fox Nation in Oklahoma; Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa; and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. This determination identifies which tribes are explicitly connected to the remains.
Who may request repatriation and how
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Northwestern University's authorized representative (Dr. Eli Suzukovich III, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208; phone (847) 491-4133; email [email protected]). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice or by a lineal descendant or other tribe that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, Northwestern University must decide the most appropriate requestor before repatriation occurs.
Only human remains; no funerary objects present
The inventory identifies human remains representing a minimum of three individuals and states that there are no associated funerary objects with these remains. The remains likely date from the Woodland period (A.D. 2,500–900) to the Upper Mississippian/Oneota period (A.D. 900–1,200).
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