Army Corps Returns Native Remains to Tribes in Michigan
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit and Michigan State University have finished checking and identifying human remains and related items linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This process respects Native American heritage and follows important laws to make sure everything is handled properly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Affiliation Assigned to Two Michigan Tribes
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, and Michigan State University determined the remains and objects are affiliated with the Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan. Those two tribes are explicitly identified as culturally affiliated in this inventory completion notice.
Repatriation Window Opens July 13, 2026
If you represent an eligible tribe or a lineal descendant, the human remains (at least seven individuals) and 392 associated funerary object lots described in this notice can be returned starting on July 13, 2026. Repatriation may occur on or after that date under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Who May Request Repatriation And Where
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by the tribes named in this notice, any lineal descendant, or another tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. Requests must be sent to Curtis Sedlacek, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, 477 Michigan Avenue, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226, email [email protected], and Judith Stoddart, Michigan State University, 287 Delta Court, East Lansing, MI 48824, email [email protected].
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