University Completes Inventory of Ancestral Remains
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Southern Mississippi has finished checking their collection and found Native American human remains linked to several tribes. Starting July 22, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available July 22, 2026
Starting July 22, 2026, the University of Southern Mississippi may return the identified Native American human remains to claimants. Requests may be sent by any one or more of the five named tribes (Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) or by a lineal descendant or other tribe that proves cultural affiliation.
Official Cultural Affiliation Determination
The University of Southern Mississippi determined the single set of human remains is of Native American ancestry and identified a cultural affiliation to the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The remains consist of one cranium and mandible with no associated funerary objects and were reported as recovered near Millry in Washington County, Alabama.
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