Mercyhurst University Readies Return of Ohio Native American Human Remains
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, taken decades ago from Ohio, can be returned to the tribes starting January 15, 2026. If you want to request the return, you can contact Mercyhurst University soon to make it happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Repatriation allowed starting January 15, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains described in this notice may occur on or after January 15, 2026. The remains were identified as at least one Native American individual removed from the Oak Harbor Site in Ottawa County, Ohio.
Who may request repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Requests must be sent to the Mercyhurst University contact provided in the notice.
Competing requests and joint repatriation rules
If Mercyhurst University receives competing requests for repatriation, it must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and are not competing requests.
Remains may have unidentified adhesive or preservative
The human remains may have an unidentified adhesive or preservative coating present; it is unknown when or what substance was applied and there is no record of hazardous treatments. This information may affect handling and conservation decisions by any receiving party.
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Department and Agencies
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