U. of Michigan Readies Native Remains for Tribal Repatriation
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Michigan has finished checking and listing Native American ancestral remains and related items found at an old site in Michigan. These remains and objects are linked to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups and can be returned to them starting May 26, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Starts May 26, 2026
The University of Michigan completed an inventory of Native American ancestral remains and funerary objects and repatriation may occur on or after May 26, 2026. The remains include at least seven individuals and multiple associated funerary objects from sites in Berrien County, Michigan.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Dr. Ben Secunda, NAGPRA Office Managing Director, University of Michigan (Office of Research, Suite G269, Lane Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1274; email [email protected]). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, certain non-federally recognized groups if joined, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
Determination of Cultural Affiliation
The University of Michigan determined the ancestral remains and 13 associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with multiple named tribes and organizations, including the Bay Mills Indian Community; Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Hannahville Indian Community; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians; Little River Band of Ottawa Indians; Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians; Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi; Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians; Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan; and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
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