Museum Returns 22 Ancestors: Native Heritage Gets a Respectful Handback
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Missouri’s Museum of Anthropology has finished checking its collection and found 22 Native American ancestors and some special burial items. These remains and objects are linked to local tribes and could be returned starting December 18, 2025. This means the museum is ready to give these important items back to the right Native communities, respecting their history and culture.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
22 Ancestors and 7 Objects Identified
The University of Missouri’s Museum of Anthropology identified human remains representing at least 22 Native American individuals (7 adult females, 8 adult males, 4 adults of unknown sex, and 3 children of unknown sex) and seven associated funerary objects (one obsidian flake and six ceramic sherds). The museum determined these remains and objects have a cultural affiliation with the listed Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and may be returned starting December 18, 2025.
Who May Request Repatriation and Process
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Dr. Candace Sall, University of Missouri, Museum of Anthropology (101 Museum Support Center, Columbia, MO 65211; email [email protected]). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the University of Missouri must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after December 18, 2025.
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