UT Austin Lab Lists Caddo Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Archeological Research Laboratory has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and artifacts. These items, linked to the Caddo Nation, are ready to be returned to the tribes starting June 11, 2026. This means important cultural treasures will soon go back home, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 22 Native American Remains
If you are a member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma or a lineal descendant, the University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Archeological Research Laboratory has identified human remains for 22 individuals and 342,744 associated funerary objects that are affiliated with the Caddo Nation. These remains and objects come from sites 41RR16 (Red River County) and 41CE19 (Cherokee County) and may be repatriated on or after June 11, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice may request repatriation, and any lineal descendant or tribe not identified may request repatriation if they show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If there are competing requests, TARL must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
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