Gilcrease Museum Ready to Repatriate Native Remains
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found a clear connection to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to their rightful communities, with requests sent to the museum.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Identifies 28 Native Ancestors
The Gilcrease Museum identified human remains representing at least 28 Native American individuals and 286 associated funerary objects from the Yokem site (11PK89). The museum determined these remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Forest County Potawatomi Community (WI); Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; Kaw Nation (OK); Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (MI); Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Omaha Tribe of Nebraska; Otoe‑Missouria Tribe of Indians (OK); Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians (MI & IN); Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Ponca Tribe of Nebraska; Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation; Quapaw Nation; Sac & Fox Nation (OK); Shawnee Tribe; The Osage Nation; and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
How and When Repatriation Can Occur
Repatriation of the identified human remains and 286 associated funerary objects may occur on or after January 15, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Laura Bryant, Gilcrease Museum, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104 or laura-bryant@utulsa.edu; requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes listed in this notice or by a lineal descendant or tribe/Native Hawaiian organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is entitled, and if competing requests are received the Gilcrease Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor (joint requests count as a single request).
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