More Remains from Mercyhurst Headed Back to Native Communities
Published Date: 9/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Mercyhurst University finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found a clear connection to certain Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these items might be returned to the right communities soon, following important laws that protect Native heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal Repatriation of Human Remains
Mercyhurst University completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and found a cultural affiliation between certain human remains and funerary objects and specific Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. That means those remains and items may be returned to the affiliated Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations under NAGPRA procedures.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17877, Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found that some human remains belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these remains will be returned to the right communities. If you’re part of these groups, now’s the time to pay attention and get ready for the next steps!
Next: 2025-17879, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Archaeology, Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation plans to return certain Native American cultural items found in Tennessee to the right tribes. This move follows a law that protects Native American graves and cultural objects. The repatriation helps honor Native communities and doesn’t involve any costs or deadlines for the public.