# 2026-12395: University to Return Ancient Remains to Tribes

2026-12395, Notice of Inventory Completion: Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, Murray, KY, is a Federal Register notice from Interior Department, National Park Service published 2026-06-22, effective 2026-07-22 (as of 2026-06-29).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12395
- As of: 2026-06-29
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-12395
- Title: Notice of Inventory Completion: Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, Murray, KY
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Interior Department; National Park Service
- Citation: 91 FR 37137
- Published: 2026-06-22
- Effective: 2026-07-22
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-29

## In one line

University to Return Ancient Remains to Tribes

## Summary

Murray State University Archaeology Lab has finished checking some Native American human remains found in Tennessee and linked them to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Muscogee (Creek) Nations. Starting July 22, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no costs involved.

## Abstract

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory has completed an inventory of human remains and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

## Effects PRIA read

- Tribal Cultural Affiliation Identified: benefit, low. The Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory determined the human remains are culturally affiliated with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Chickasaw Nation; and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
- Repatriation Eligible Starting July 22, 2026: benefit, low. The notice states that repatriation of these human remains may occur on or after July 22, 2026, allowing transfer of the remains to an authorized requestor beginning that date.
- Who May Request Repatriation: benefit, low. Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated.
- Competing and Joint Request Rules: benefit, low. If competing repatriation requests are received, Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request, not competing requests.
- Where to Send Repatriation Requests: benefit, low. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Anthony Ortmann at Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, 334 Blackburn Sciences Building, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, or by email to [email protected].
- Remains Have No Funerary Objects or Hazards: benefit, low. The inventory states the human remains represent at least one individual, have no associated funerary objects, and there is no known exposure to hazardous substances.

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## Sources
- [2026-12395 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/22/2026-12395/notice-of-inventory-completion-murray-state-university-archaeology-laboratory-murray-ky)
- [2026-12395 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-22/pdf/2026-12395.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12395 (as of 2026-06-29).