NY Parks Lists Unclaimed Native Remains for Repatriation
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation finished checking some old human remains and found no direct relatives or Native groups connected to them. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to tribes if requested. This update affects a few Native communities and sets a clear timeline for repatriation requests.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Requests Open Jan 20, 2026
If you are a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization, you may send a written request to repatriate the remains starting on January 20, 2026. Repatriation requests must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the requester is a lineal descendant or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation; the NYOPRHP will decide among competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request.
Determination: No Cultural Affiliation Found
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation found human remains representing at least two Native American individuals and determined that no lineal descendant or Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation has been clearly identified. Because no affiliated tribe or descendant was identified, claimants must prove affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence to request repatriation.
Consultation with Three Tribes; Stockbridge Leads
NYOPRHP invited the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), the Delaware Tribe of Indians, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community (Wisconsin) to consult; all three agreed to consult and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin agreed to take the lead during consultation. The notice records that those consultations occurred as part of the inventory and determinations under NAGPRA.
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