Pennsylvania Uni Prepares to Repatriate Kentucky Tribal Remains
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, taken decades ago from a site in Kentucky, can be returned to the tribes starting January 16, 2026. If you want to request the remains, contact Mercyhurst soon to help honor this important cultural connection.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Jan 16, 2026
Mercyhurst University identified human remains representing two Native American individuals that may be returned to affiliated tribes or lineal descendants on or after January 16, 2026. To request repatriation, send written requests to Anne Marjenin, Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546, or email [email protected].
Tribes Identified as Affiliated
Mercyhurst University determined a cultural affiliation between the remains and the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. The notice names these tribes as affiliated with the remains removed from the Glover Farm (Christian County, Kentucky).
Who May Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribal organizations listed in this notice, or by any lineal descendant, tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is affiliated. Mercyhurst University must determine the most appropriate requestor if competing requests are received, and joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
Unidentified Adhesives and Substances Noted
The inventory notes unidentified adhesive on one set of remains and unidentified adhesive plus an unidentified plaster- or preservative-type substance on another; it is unknown when these materials were applied and there is no record that potentially hazardous substances were used. These observations are recorded in Mercyhurst University's inventory.
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Next: 2025-23004, Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains and some related items from Kentucky. These remains are linked to specific tribes, and starting January 16, 2026, they can be returned to their rightful communities. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.