University of Michigan to return Native American remains to tribe
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found one Native American individual connected to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Starting April 15, 2026, the university can return these remains to the tribe. This process follows important laws to respect Native American heritage, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return One Native Remains
The University of Michigan identified the physical remains of one Native American individual that it determined are culturally affiliated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Michigan. The university may repatriate (return) the remains to the tribe on or after April 15, 2026, and requests must be sent to Dr. Ben Secunda, NAGPRA Office Managing Director, University of Michigan (address and email provided in the notice).
Who May Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not listed who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the University of Michigan must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Hazardous Treatment Found
The University of Michigan reports it has no record or knowledge that the Native American individual was treated with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that would pose a potential hazard to the individual or to persons handling the remains.
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