Mercyhurst University Returns Tennessee Native Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Notice
Summary
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, originally from Tennessee, can be returned to the tribes starting April 20, 2026. If you want to request the remains, contact Mercyhurst soon—this is a big step in respecting Native heritage without any cost involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Tribes May Request Return of Remains
If you are a member or lineal descendant of one of the named tribes, you can submit a written request to Mercyhurst University to repatriate two Native American human remains. The notice names the Absentee‑Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and repatriation may occur on or after April 20, 2026; send requests to Anne Marjenin, Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546 or the email listed in the notice.
Who May Request and How Disputes Are Resolved
Repatriation requests may be made by any one or more of the tribes named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe not named that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Mercyhurst University will determine the most appropriate requestor if competing requests are received, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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