Indiana University to Return Native Remains and Objects to Tribes
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
Indiana University has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items, linking them to specific tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes. This important step respects Native cultures and follows federal law, with no money involved but a clear timeline for action.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Allowed Starting June 4, 2026
Repatriation (return) of the human remains and funerary objects may occur on or after June 4, 2026. Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or a lineal descendant or tribe not named who shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation, may submit a written request to Indiana University; if requests compete, the University must determine the most appropriate requestor.
Inventory Identifies 52 Individuals and ~97 Objects
Indiana University identified human remains representing 52 Native American individuals and five associated funerary-object lots totaling approximately 97 objects. The remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the named Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice and were recovered from the Frederick Site (11SC11) and Hagan Mound site (11SC365).
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Key Dates
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