Wisconsin University Finalizes Tribal Funerary Returns
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has finished checking and updating its list of Native American funerary objects connected to local tribes. Starting August 7, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the Ho-Chunk Nation, Menominee Tribe, and Winnebago Tribe. This update clears the way for respectful repatriation without any cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation available starting August 7, 2026
If you are a member of one of the listed Tribes or a lineal descendant, you may request repatriation of 16 associated funerary objects on or after August 7, 2026. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh completed its inventory under NAGPRA and identified these objects as associated funerary objects.
University identifies cultural affiliation
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh determined that 16 objects (5 from the Fox Tower site and 11 from the Hoffman site) are associated funerary objects and has identified cultural affiliation with numerous Indian Tribes, including the Ho-Chunk Nation, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
Who can request repatriation and how
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or other Tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the University must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
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