South Dakota University Returns Ancient Native Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Augustana University in Sioux Falls has finished checking its collection and found human remains and sacred items linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains Eligible for Repatriation Jan 20, 2026
Augustana University identified human remains of at least two Native American individuals and one lot of associated funerary objects (lithics, faunal bone, and ceremonial items) removed from Minnehaha County, South Dakota. The university determined these materials are culturally affiliated with the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota, and they may be repatriated on or after January 20, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Written repatriation requests must be sent to Gina Palefsky at Augustana University's Archaeology Laboratory (2001 S Summit Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105; email: [email protected]). Requests may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not identified who demonstrates cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, Augustana University will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Chemical Treatment
Augustana University reports that no hazardous chemicals are known to have been used to treat the human remains or associated funerary objects while in the university's custody.
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