Tennessee Returns Local Native Remains and Artifacts
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation just finished checking and listing some Native American human remains and artifacts found in Blount County, Tennessee. These items are linked to local Indian Tribes, and they’re ready to be returned starting April 18, 2025. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors’ remains and belongings, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Native American Remains Eligible for Return
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation identified human remains of two Native American individuals and two associated funerary objects from the Tallassee site (40BT8) in Blount County, Tennessee. These remains and objects are eligible for repatriation and may be returned on or after April 18, 2025 to affiliated tribes.
Named Tribes Identified as Affiliated
TDEC-DOA determined a cultural affiliation between the remains/objects and the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town. Those named tribes may submit written requests for repatriation.
Who May Request Repatriation and How
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to the authorized TDEC-DOA representative. Requests may be made by any of the named tribes or by any lineal descendant or tribe not named who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. Repatriation may occur on or after April 18, 2025.
Competing and Joint Repatriation Requests
If competing requests for repatriation are received, TDEC-DOA must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests made jointly by multiple requestors are treated as a single (non-competing) request.
No Known Hazardous Exposure Noted
TDEC-DOA reports there is no known exposure of these remains or objects to hazardous treatments or substances.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04634, Notice of Receipt of the Makah Tribe's Permit Request for a Ceremonial and Subsistence Hunt of Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales
The Makah Tribe has asked for a special permit to hunt Eastern North Pacific gray whales for their traditional ceremonies and food. This affects the tribe and the whales, with public comments open until May 5, 2025. No money changes are mentioned, but the decision will respect cultural practices while protecting whale populations.
Next: 2025-04636, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Tennessee, McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee’s McClung Museum has finished checking and identifying Native American human remains and artifacts from the Prater Site in Tennessee. These items are linked to specific tribes and will be returned starting April 18, 2025. This means important cultural treasures will soon go back to their rightful communities, honoring their history and heritage.