Ozark Forest Prepares to Repatriate Six Native Ancestors
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest plans to return the remains of at least six Native American individuals and related funerary items to their rightful tribes or descendants starting January 16, 2026. If no one claims them by December 17, 2026, these remains and objects will be considered unclaimed. This affects Native communities connected to Arkansas sites and ensures respectful handling of these important cultural items.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Six Native Remains
If you are a lineal descendant or a tribal representative, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest plans to return the physical remains of at least six Native American individuals and one associated funerary object removed from Arkansas sites. Disposition may occur on or after January 16, 2026, and the named remains come from sites in Baxter, Newton, Pope, Searcy, and Stone Counties in Arkansas.
Who May Claim the Remains
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written claims for disposition of these remains and the funerary object. Claims must be sent to Dan Olsen, Forest Supervisor, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest (address and email provided) and must be received by December 17, 2026 to avoid the remains being declared unclaimed.
Osage Nation Given Priority
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has determined that the Osage Nation has priority for disposition of the human remains and the associated funerary object described in this notice. If competing claims are received, the Forest Service must determine the most appropriate claimant prior to disposition.
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