Army Corps to Repatriate or Dispose of 127 Native Artifacts and Remains
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis plans to return human remains and 127 related artifacts found in Missouri to Native American tribes or descendants starting May 11, 2026. If no one claims them by April 9, 2027, these items will be considered unclaimed. This action affects tribes connected to the Caldwell Creek site and helps honor their heritage respectfully.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Osage Nation Has Repatriation Priority
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the human remains of at least one Native American individual and 127 associated funerary objects from the Caldwell Creek site (23WE779) in Wayne County, Missouri, are to be returned with priority to the Osage Nation. The collection is currently held at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois, and disposition may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Claim Window and Unclaimed Deadline
Tribes, lineal descendants, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written claims to receive the human remains and 127 associated funerary objects; disposition may occur on or after May 11, 2026. If no claim is received by April 9, 2027, the items will be declared unclaimed human remains and associated funerary objects.
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