Mississippi University Identifies 16 Native American Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Mississippi State University has finished checking its collections and found the remains of at least 16 Native American individuals. Starting April 1, 2026, these remains can be returned to the related tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This process helps honor and respect Native cultures, with no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
16 Native American Remains Identified
Mississippi State University identified human remains representing at least 16 Native American individuals from four collections, with no associated funerary objects. The materials likely originated from Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.
Affiliated Tribes Named
MSU determined a cultural affiliation between the remains and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; The Chickasaw Nation; and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. These named tribes are identified as related to the remains.
Repatriation Available Starting April 1, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains may occur on or after April 1, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Tony Boudreaux at Cobb Institute of Archaeology and Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, Mississippi State University, 340 Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or via email at [email protected].
Who May Request Repatriation and Competing Claims
Repatriation requests may be submitted by: (1) any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice; or (2) any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, MSU must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
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