Tennessee University Plans Repatriation of Ancient Ceramics and Bones
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Department plans to return three special cultural items—ceramics, shells, and animal bones—from a Native American cemetery in Montgomery County, TN. These items, linked to Native American tribes, will be repatriated starting January 16, 2026. This respectful move honors Native traditions and involves no costs or hazards, making history right and fair!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Three Funerary Items
The University of Tennessee intends to return three unassociated funerary items — one lot of ceramics, one lot of shell, and one lot of faunal (animal bones) — recovered from a Mississippian period cemetery in Montgomery County, TN. The items are identified as culturally affiliated with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Thlopthlocco Tribal Town; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and repatriation may occur on or after January 16, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation to the University of Tennessee by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, UTK must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Treatment
The University of Tennessee states that, to their knowledge, no potentially hazardous substances were used to treat any of the three cultural items described in this notice. This information pertains to safety considerations for handling and transfer of the objects.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23041, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Department has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and artifacts found in Tennessee. These remains and objects, linked to local tribes, are ready to be returned starting January 16, 2026. This means important cultural items will soon go back to their rightful communities, with no cost to the public.
Next: 2025-23043, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program-OMB No. 0915-0334-Revision
HRSA is updating the forms for the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program to make them easier and better. This affects people filing injury claims related to emergency health countermeasures, like vaccines or treatments. They want your feedback by February 17, 2026, before sending the changes for final approval—no big cost changes, just smoother paperwork!