Mercyhurst University to Repatriate Ancient Ohio Burials
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Mercyhurst University has finished checking and listing human remains from old burial sites in Ohio, linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes who are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no money involved but important for cultural respect and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
25 Native American Remains Identified
Mercyhurst University identified the physical remains of 25 Native American individuals and two associated funerary objects (a lead ball and faunal remains). These remains are culturally affiliated with the many named Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice.
Repatriation Requests Start January 15, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after January 15, 2026. 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/organization that shows cultural affiliation; Mercyhurst University will decide between competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request. Written requests must be sent to Anne Marjenin at Mercyhurst University (501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546) or the provided email address.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22886 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Columbus-Belmont State Park, Kentucky State Parks, Columbus, KY
Columbus-Belmont State Park in Kentucky has finished checking its collection and found three Native American human remains linked to tribes like the Cherokee Nation. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and follow important laws.
Next: 2025-22888 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains can be returned to the tribes starting January 15, 2026. If you want to request the return, you can contact Mercyhurst University by mail or email.