North Dakota Uni Hands Back Native Funerary Items to Tribes
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of North Dakota intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University intends to repatriate 121,218 items
The University of North Dakota intends to repatriate 121,218 unassociated funerary objects, primarily stone, that were removed from multiple sites in Dunn County, North Dakota and have a cultural affiliation with the Three Affiliated Tribes. The university says these items may be repatriated on or after September 23, 2026.
Lineal descendants and tribes can request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to the University of North Dakota for repatriation of these items; if competing requests are received the university will determine the most appropriate requestor. Repatriation may occur on or after September 23, 2026.
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