Mystery 1970s Remains at NM College Up for Grabs
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
New Mexico Junior College found human remains from the late 1970s or early 1980s with no known connection to any Native American tribe. Starting January 16, 2026, these remains can be returned to tribes or groups that request them. This update affects tribes invited to consult and anyone interested in repatriation, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting Jan 16, 2026
You can request return (repatriation) of the human remains beginning January 16, 2026. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are the lineal descendant or have cultural affiliation.
No Lineal Descendant or Tribal Affiliation Found
The New Mexico Junior College determined these human remains are of Native American ancestry but found no known lineal descendant and no Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation. The college states no earlier group connected to the remains can be reasonably traced through time.
How Competing or Joint Requests Are Handled
If more than one requester seeks repatriation, New Mexico Junior College must decide which requester is most appropriate before returning the remains. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and are not considered competing requests.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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