Cherokee Textiles Scheduled for Standard Tribal Return
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum plan to return 18 groups of historic Cherokee items, like textiles and plant samples, taken from burial sites in Tennessee back to Native American tribes. This repatriation will start on or after August 21, 2026, honoring cultural traditions and respecting Native heritage. No money changes hands, but the process strengthens important connections between the university and Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
18 Historic Cherokee Items Returned
The University of Tennessee plans to return 18 lots of historic Cherokee cultural items (including textiles and botanical samples) that were removed in a 1938 Works Progress Administration project at site 40PK1 (Ocoee, Polk County, Tennessee). These items are identified as Historic Cherokee and have a cultural affiliation with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026, and the notice states that no money changes hands as part of the transfer.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice can submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Dr. Ellen Lofaro, University of Tennessee, Office of Repatriation, 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37996, or by email to [email protected]. If competing requests are received, UTK will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after August 21, 2026.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14721 — Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN, and the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum have finished listing human remains and artifacts linked to the Historic Cherokee from a 1938 excavation in Tennessee. These items are ready to be returned to the Native American tribes starting August 21, 2026. This important step respects cultural heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Next: 2026-14723 — Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN, and the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum have finished listing 33 Native American ancestors and their belongings from two historic sites in Tennessee. These remains and items, linked to local tribes, are ready to be returned starting August 21, 2026. This important step honors Native cultures and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.