Tennessee Lists and Prepares Return of Native American Remains
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has finished listing human remains and artifacts found in Davidson County, Tennessee. These remains belong to Native American tribes, and starting December 17, 2025, they can be returned to the tribes. This process respects Native heritage and involves no costs or hazards to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation available to listed tribes
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation completed an inventory of human remains representing at least 238 individuals and 449 associated funerary objects from Davidson County, Tennessee. The TDEC-DOA determined a cultural affiliation with eight named tribes and states that repatriation may occur on or after December 17, 2025; any identified tribe or a lineal descendant or other tribe that demonstrates affiliation may request repatriation in writing to the TDEC-DOA representative.
No public hazard from remains
The notice explicitly states that there is no known exposure to hazardous substances or treatments for the human remains and associated funerary objects described. Members of the public are not reported to face any health hazards from these materials.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19954, Notice of Inventory Completion: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology, Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has finished checking and listing human remains and burial items from Davidson County. These remains and objects are linked to Native American tribes, and they can be returned to the tribes starting December 17, 2025. This process helps honor Native American heritage and ensures respectful handling of these important cultural items.
Next: 2025-19956, 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 13 Native American cultural items found in Davidson County to the affiliated tribes starting December 17, 2025. These items include pottery shards, a limestone necklace, and an ear plug, all carefully handled and free from hazards. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and follows federal law, with no costs or delays expected.