University of Michigan Returns Texas-Linked Native Remains
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found ancestral human remains and a funerary object linked to Native American tribes from Texas. These items can be returned to the tribes starting August 3, 2026. This means important cultural treasures will soon go back home, honoring Native communities and their history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Begins Aug 3, 2026
The University of Michigan identified the physical remains of at least one Native American adult and one associated funerary object (one lot of botanicals) from Nueces County, Texas. These items are affiliated with several named tribes and may be returned starting on or after August 3, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or Indian Tribe/organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. Requests must be sent to the University of Michigan contact identified in the notice (Dr. Ben Secunda, NAGPRA Office, Suite G269, Lane Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1274).
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