Tennessee Anthropology Dept Readies Remains for Return
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Department has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found a clear connection to certain tribes and are ready to return these remains and objects starting August 14, 2026. This means the tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors respectfully, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting August 14, 2026
The University of Tennessee will allow repatriation of four Native American human remains and four associated funerary objects on or after August 14, 2026. Requests must be sent in writing to Dr. Ellen Lofaro, University of Tennessee, Office of Repatriation, 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37996, or by the listed email.
Affiliation Identified with Pawnee Nation
The University of Tennessee determined there is a cultural affiliation between the four human remains and the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. That determination supports repatriation to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.
Who May Request Repatriation and Competing Requests
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any tribe or Native Hawaiian organization identified in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe that proves cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the University of Tennessee must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Record of Hazardous Treatment of Remains
The University of Tennessee reports it has no record that these human remains or objects were treated with potentially hazardous substances. This means there is no recorded contamination concern for handling these items.
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