Alabama Returns Sacred Artifacts to Native Tribes Finally
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Alabama Department of Archives and History plans to return 14 Native American cultural items—13 brass buttons and a brass bracelet—to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. These items were taken from Neshoba County, Mississippi, and will be repatriated starting January 20, 2026. This respectful move honors Native American traditions and strengthens cultural ties without any cost impact.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 14 Choctaw Cultural Items
The Alabama Department of Archives and History intends to return 14 Native American cultural items — 13 brass buttons and one brass bracelet — taken from Neshoba County, Mississippi and donated to the Archives in 1909, to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026 and the notice states this action will strengthen cultural ties without any cost impact.
Who May Request These Items
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to John Robert Elmore, III, Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104; if competing requests are received the Alabama Department of Archives and History must determine the most appropriate requestor and requests for joint repatriation are considered a single request.
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