Indiana University Set to Return Native Remains
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
Indiana University has finished checking its collection and found one Native American individual’s remains linked to the Choctaw tribes. Starting July 6, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the Choctaw groups who are connected to them. If you’re part of those tribes, you can request the return by contacting the university soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains available for Choctaw repatriation
Indiana University has identified the human remains of at least one Native American individual affiliated with the Choctaw. Those remains may be repatriated to the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; or The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma on or after July 6, 2026.
How to request repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Dr. Jayne-Leigh Thomas, Executive Director, Office of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Indiana University (Student Building 318, 701 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405) or by email at [email protected]. Eligible requestors include any one or more of the tribes named in this notice or any lineal descendant or tribe that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation.
No associated funerary objects present
Indiana University reports that no associated funerary objects are present with the human remains. This means only the human remains (and not associated objects) are identified for repatriation in this notice.
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