Louisiana Archaeology Logs Remains for Tribal Return Protocol
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 has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Identified Tribes Can Request Repatriation
The Louisiana Division of Archaeology determined the human remains of three Native American individuals are culturally affiliated with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Caddo Nation of Oklahoma; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; Quapaw Nation; The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe. Any one or more of those tribes or a lineal descendant may submit a written request for repatriation to Karla Oesch, Collections Manager, Louisiana Division of Archaeology, P.O. Box 44247, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (email: [email protected]). Repatriation may occur on or after August 31, 2026.
Who Else May Seek Repatriation
In addition to the tribes named, any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed may request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology must decide the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint requests count as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after August 31, 2026.
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