Missouri Uni to Repatriate Remains of 74 Native Individuals
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Missouri-St. Louis has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found 74 individuals' remains and over 1,200 artifacts linked to local tribes. Starting April 1, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available April 1, 2026
If you are a tribal representative or a lineal descendant, human remains representing at least 270 individuals and 3,272 associated funerary objects held by the University of Missouri–St. Louis may be returned starting April 1, 2026. Send written requests for repatriation to Patti J. Wright, Dept. of Anthropology and Archaeology, 507 Clark Hall, One University Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121, or email [email protected].
UMSL Identifies Osage Nation Affiliation
The University of Missouri–St. Louis has determined that the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice have a cultural connection to The Osage Nation. That determination supports repatriation actions to The Osage Nation for the items covered by this notice.
Who May Request Repatriation and Conflicts
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or tribe that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the University of Missouri–St. Louis must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-13255 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Office of Public Health Disease Reporting and Surveillance Forms
The National Park Service wants to keep using its health and disease reporting forms to track illnesses in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the forms aren’t too much work and still get the job done. This helps keep visitors safe without wasting time or money on paperwork.
2026-12380 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Wesleyan University, Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, Middletown, CT
Wesleyan University plans to return 13 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting July 22, 2026. These special objects, like decorated gourds and stone tools, were once traded between museums but now will go back home. This repatriation respects Native traditions and doesn’t involve any money changes, just honoring heritage.
2026-12391 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special wooden mask to the Oneida Tribe, honoring their cultural heritage. This mask, used in maternity ceremonies, will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful handover helps preserve Native traditions and involves careful handling due to past pesticide use on museum items.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04040 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Cobb Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
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.
Next: 2026-04042 — Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office, Lakewood, CO
The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado plans to return Native American human remains and cultural items found in Rio Blanco County back to the rightful tribes or descendants starting April 1, 2026. If no one claims them by March 2, 2027, these items will be considered unclaimed. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage and follows important federal laws.