Tennessee plans return of ancient Native American burial pottery
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation plans to return a set of ancient Native American pottery from Arkansas to the rightful tribes starting February 17, 2026. These items, linked to Native American burial traditions, were donated in 1979 and are now being respectfully repatriated. This move honors Native American heritage and follows important cultural laws, with no costs or hazards involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Native Pottery Returned to Quapaw Nation
If you are a lineal descendant or a member of the Quapaw Nation, one lot of Mississippian-period ceramic vessels (jars, bowls, and plates) that were donated in 1979 will be eligible for repatriation starting on February 17, 2026. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation intends to return these unassociated funerary objects to culturally affiliated tribes or descendants under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
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Previous: 2026-00663, Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and found they belong to certain tribes. Starting February 17, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes or organizations connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Next: 2026-00665, Notice of Inventory Completion: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology, Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has finished checking some Native American human remains and found they belong to the Quapaw Nation. Starting February 17, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no costs involved for the public.