Tennessee Prepares to Repatriate Memphis-Area Artifacts
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation finished checking old human remains and artifacts found near Memphis. They’ve linked these items to Native American tribes and are ready to return them starting April 17, 2026. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors’ belongings, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Chickasaw Nation eligible to reclaim remains
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC-DOA) has identified a cultural affiliation between the recovered human remains and The Chickasaw Nation, and repatriation to affiliated tribes may occur on or after April 17, 2026. The inventory covers human remains representing at least one individual and six associated funerary object lots recovered in the Nonconnah Creek drainage south of Memphis in 1950–1952 and transferred to TDEC-DOA in 2025.
Who may request repatriation and how disputes are handled
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, Tribe, or organization not listed that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, TDEC-DOA must decide the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
No known hazardous exposure to materials
TDEC-DOA reports there is no known exposure of the human remains or associated funerary objects to hazardous substances or treatments. This applies to the items recovered in 1950–1952 and transferred in 2025.
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.
2026-11850 — 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!
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
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.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05298 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
The University of California San Diego plans to return three special cultural items linked to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. These items were originally found in 1956 and have moved between museums and universities over the years. The repatriation can start on or after April 17, 2026, showing respect and care for these important cultural treasures.
Next: 2026-05300 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Whitman College, Maxey Museum, Walla Walla, WA
Whitman College’s Maxey Museum plans to return 19 important Native American cultural items, including copper bracelets and sacred objects, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after April 17, 2026, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and keeping culture alive.