Louisiana Archaeologists Catalog Ancient Remains for Tribal Repatriation Notice
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Louisiana Division of Archaeology (LDOA) has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Five Native American Remains Identified
The Louisiana Division of Archaeology determined the human remains represent at least five Native American individuals and three lots of objects believed to be funerary. The remains and objects are identified as culturally affiliated with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe.
When Repatriation Can Occur
Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after August 31, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Karla Oesch, Collections Manager, Louisiana Division of Archaeology (P.O. Box 44247, Baton Rouge, LA 70804) or the listed email address.
Who May Request Repatriation
The listed Indian Tribes may request repatriation, and any lineal descendant or Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified may also request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15503, Notice of Inventory Completion: Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Division of Archaeology, Baton Rouge, LA
The Louisiana Division of Archaeology has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items from two sites in Avoyelles Parish, LA. These remains are linked to specific Native tribes, and starting August 31, 2026, they can be returned to those tribes. This process helps honor Native heritage and follows important laws protecting Native graves.
Next: 2026-15505, Notice of Inventory Completion: Montcalm County Sheriff's Office, Stanton, MI
The Montcalm County Sheriff's Office in Michigan has finished checking out some old human bones found during home construction in the early 1990s. These remains are linked to Native American tribes, and they’re ready to be returned starting August 31, 2026. If you want to ask about getting them back, you can contact the Sheriff's Office by mail or email.