Oklahoma Museum Prepares to Repatriate Cheyenne and Arapaho Ancestral Remains
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and sacred objects linked to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Starting January 16, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the Tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation to Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has identified human remains of one individual and seven associated funerary objects as affiliated with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma. Those remains and objects may be returned to the Tribes on or after January 16, 2026, and written repatriation requests may be submitted by the Tribes or by lineal descendants showing cultural affiliation.
Repatriation Will Not Cost the Public
The notice states repatriation is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and will occur with no cost to the public. The repatriation actions referenced may begin on or after January 16, 2026.
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