Georgia Uni's Archaeology Lab Repatriates Ancient Remains
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Georgia’s Archaeology Lab has finished listing Native American human remains and burial items found in Georgia. These items are linked to specific tribes and can be returned starting January 16, 2026. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors’ remains and artifacts, honoring their heritage without any cost or delay.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation can begin January 16, 2026
Tribes and lineal descendants may request repatriation of the listed Native American human remains and associated funerary objects on or after January 16, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Amanda Roberts Thompson, University of Georgia, Laboratory of Archaeology, 1125 E Whitehall Rd., Athens, GA 30602 (contact info provided in the notice).
Inventory: 508 individuals, 15,619 objects
The University of Georgia determined the collection includes human remains representing at least 508 Native American individuals and approximately 15,619 associated funerary objects recovered from sites in Bryan, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh Counties, Georgia.
Cultural affiliation named; others may claim
The University determined there is a connection between the remains/objects described in this notice and the Seminole Tribe of Florida and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and those tribes are identified in the notice. Any other lineal descendant or Indian Tribe not identified may also submit a repatriation request if they show, by a preponderance of the evidence, cultural affiliation.
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