Louisiana Returns Remains from Two Old Dig Sites
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The Louisiana Division of Archaeology has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items found in two Louisiana sites. These remains are linked to specific Native tribes, and starting August 31, 2026, they can be returned to those tribes. This process respects Native American heritage and involves no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
40 Native Remains Identified for Return
If you are a member of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana or a lineal descendant, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology identified the physical remains of 40 Native American individuals and 14 lots of associated funerary objects that are connected to the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana. These remains and objects are now listed for repatriation under the notice.
Repatriation Available Starting August 31, 2026
Repatriation of the listed human remains and funerary objects may occur on or after August 31, 2026. The Louisiana Division of Archaeology will release the remains and objects to approved requestors beginning on that date.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
You may request repatriation if you are one of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, a lineal descendant, or an Indian Tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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