Oklahoma Museum Completes Inventory of Native American Human Remains
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and special objects linked to Native American tribes. These items are set to be returned starting March 13, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, now’s the time to reach out and get involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation to Affiliated Tribes
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has determined cultural affiliation between human remains (representing at least one individual) and six lots of associated funerary objects and the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. Those remains and objects may be repatriated to affiliated tribal authorities on or after March 13, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
How to Submit Repatriation Requests
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Chelsea Rose, Interim NAGPRA Program Coordinator, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman, OK 73072, or emailed to chelsea.rose@ou.edu. Repatriation may proceed on or after March 13, 2026 once the museum has identified the appropriate requestor.
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