Museum Prepares to Return Ancient Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 7/10/2026
Notice
Summary
History Colorado has finished checking and identifying 11 Native American human remains found in Colorado. Starting August 10, 2026, these remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes. This process respects Native American heritage and involves no costs or hazards.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting Aug 10, 2026
History Colorado says 11 Native American human remains may be returned starting on August 10, 2026. Requests for repatriation can be sent to History Colorado and may be made by the tribes named in this notice, by a lineal descendant, or by another tribe or organization that shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, cultural affiliation.
Tribes Identified as Affiliated Claimants
History Colorado determined the remains are affiliated with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation (Utah), and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. These named tribes are identified parties that may request repatriation of the 11 individuals described in the notice.
No Known Hazardous Substances Found
History Colorado reports that no known hazardous substances were used in the treatment or preservation of the human remains described in this notice. This indicates there are no known chemical or preservation hazards reported for the 11 individuals.
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