University of Tennessee Completes Inventory of Native American Human Remains
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Department has finished checking their collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, from a site in Kansas, can be returned to the tribes starting January 20, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, now’s the time to reach out—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation can start January 20, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains described in this notice may occur on or after January 20, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Dr. Ellen Lofaro, University of Tennessee, Office of Repatriation, 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37996, or by the email listed in the notice.
UTK found cultural affiliation with six tribes
The University of Tennessee has determined the human remains are affiliated with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes (Oklahoma); Kaw Nation (Oklahoma); Omaha Tribe of Nebraska; Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma; Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation; and The Osage Nation. That determination is recorded in UTK's inventory and underlies who may request repatriation.
Who may request repatriation and how requests are handled
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. UTK will decide between competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23348, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Department has finished checking their collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, found decades ago in Kansas, are ready to be returned to the tribes starting January 20, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—this is a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage.
Next: 2025-23350, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
The University of Kansas has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains linked to several tribes, including the Delaware Nation and Shinnecock Indian Nation. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and make sure the remains go back to their rightful communities.