Mark Twain Forest to Return Native Ancestors' Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mark Twain National Forest finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and burial items. They found a clear connection to local tribes and plan to return these items starting May 4, 2026. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors’ remains and artifacts, with no cost to them and plenty of time to prepare.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Osage Nation Cultural Affiliation Declared
The Mark Twain National Forest determined that human remains representing nine individuals and 1,153 associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with The Osage Nation. This formal determination identifies the Osage Nation as connected to the remains and objects recovered from multiple Missouri sites.
Repatriation Requests Begin May 4, 2026
Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or lineal descendants may request repatriation of the identified human remains and 1,153 funerary objects, and repatriation may occur on or after May 4, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Vinci Keeler, Forest Supervisor, USDA Mark Twain National Forest (401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401; vinci.keeler@usda.gov), and the Forest will resolve any competing claims before repatriation.
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