University Clears Path for Alaska Remains Repatriation
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains that belong to certain tribes. These remains, taken from near Shishmaref, Alaska, can be returned to the tribes starting August 14, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important pieces of history, with no costs or risks involved for anyone handling them.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal affiliation identified
The University of Michigan determined the human remains represent at least one Native American individual and identified a cultural affiliation with the Native Village of Shishmaref (removed September 1934 from about 40 miles NE of Shishmaref, Alaska). This determination is the university's finding under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Repatriation available starting August 14, 2026
Repatriation of the identified ancestral remains may occur on or after August 14, 2026. Written requests may be submitted by the Native Village of Shishmaref (as identified), any identified Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, or any lineal descendant or tribe that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated.
No hazardous treatment reported
The University of Michigan reports it has no record or knowledge that the ancestral remains were treated with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that present a hazard to the collection or to people handling it. This means handlers were not identified as facing known chemical risks from the remains.
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