Iowa Archaeologists Inventory Ancient Remains from New Mexico Ruins
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist has finished checking some ancient human bones found at Aztec Ruins in New Mexico. These remains, linked to Native American tribes, can be returned to their communities starting March 13, 2026. This means respectful repatriation is on the way, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Availability Date Set
The Office of the State Archaeologist says the human remains described may be repatriated on or after March 13, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Dr. Lara Noldner at the Office of the State Archaeologist Bioarchaeology Program, University of Iowa (700 S Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52242) or the provided email address.
Who Can Request Repatriation
The notice says repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or other Indian Tribe/Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Joint requests are treated as a single request; if competing requests arise, the OSA BP will decide the most appropriate requestor.
Determination of Cultural Affiliation
The OSA Bioarchaeology Program determined the human remains have a reasonable cultural affiliation with a list of named tribes, including the Hopi Tribe; Jicarilla Apache Nation; Mescalero Apache Tribe; Navajo Nation; Ohkay Owingeh; Pueblo of Acoma; Pueblo of Cochiti; Pueblo of Isleta; Pueblo of Jemez; Pueblo of Laguna; Pueblo of Nambe; Pueblo of Picuris; Pueblo of Pojoaque; Pueblo of San Felipe; Pueblo of San Ildefonso; Pueblo of Sandia; Pueblo of Santa Ana; Pueblo of Santa Clara; Pueblo of Taos; Pueblo of Tesuque; Pueblo of Zia; Santo Domingo Pueblo; Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo; and the Zuni Tribe.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02704, Notice of Inventory Completion: Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist has finished checking out some ancient human remains found in Iowa. They’ve confirmed these remains belong to Native American tribes and are ready to return them starting March 13, 2026. This means tribes can now ask to have their ancestors’ remains sent back respectfully, with no costs mentioned.
Next: 2026-02706, Notice of Inventory Completion: Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist has finished checking and listing 13 ancient human remains and 20 related artifacts found in Iowa. These remains are linked to Native American tribes, and starting March 13, 2026, they can be returned to those tribes. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs for the public.