Illinois Museum Lists Remains for Tribal Return Process
Published Date: 3/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Illinois State Museum has finished checking its collection and found 16 Native American human remains from the Fisher Site in Illinois. These remains are linked to local Indian Tribes and can be returned starting April 27, 2026. This means tribes can now ask to have their ancestors’ remains sent back, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
16 Native American Remains Identified
The Illinois State Museum identified human remains representing at least 16 Native American individuals from the Fisher Site (11WI5) in Will County, Illinois. The museum determined these remains have a cultural affiliation with the list of Indian Tribes named in the notice and that no associated funerary objects are present.
Repatriation Eligible Starting April 27, 2026
Tribes or lineal descendants may request repatriation of these human remains on or after April 27, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Dr. Brooke M. Morgan at Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL 62703, email [email protected].
Museum Decides Between Competing Requests
If more than one request for repatriation is received, the Illinois State Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests submitted jointly are considered a single request and not competing requests.
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