Notice of Inventory Completion: Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Published Date: 2/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Field Museum in Chicago has finished checking its collection and found Native American hair clippings linked to the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes. Starting March 4, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribes. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting March 4, 2026
The Field Museum completed an inventory and determined the hair clippings are culturally affiliated with the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut. Repatriation of these human remains may occur on or after March 4, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe, the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, any lineal descendant, or another tribe/organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Requests (including joint requests) must be sent to June Carpenter at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, or by email to [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the Field Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
No Known Hazardous Substances
The Field Museum states there is no known presence of any potentially hazardous substances associated with the human remains. This means there is no identified chemical or biological hazard tied to the hair clippings described in this notice.
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