Alabama DOT Completes Inventory, Returns Remains to Choctaw Nation
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Alabama Department of Transportation has finished checking and identified the remains of 10 Native American individuals connected to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Starting February 6, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe. If you’re part of the tribe or a related group, you can request the return by contacting ALDOT.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains Identified for Repatriation
The Alabama Department of Transportation identified human remains representing at least 10 Native American individuals that it determined are culturally affiliated with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Those remains may be repatriated on or after February 6, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, any tribe or Native Hawaiian organization identified in the notice, any lineal descendant, or a tribe/organization that shows affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Send requests to William B. Turner, Alabama Department of Transportation, 1409 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36110, or by email at [email protected]; repatriation may occur on or after February 6, 2026, and ALDOT will resolve competing requests (joint requests count as one).
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