Chicago Museum Repatriates One Native American's Hair Clippings
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The Field Museum in Chicago has finished checking its collection and found hair clippings from one Native American individual linked to the Ottawa tribes. Starting September 23, 2026, these remains can be returned to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items without any cost or delay to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Sept 23, 2026
The Field Museum has identified hair clippings from one Native American individual that are affiliated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Those human remains may be returned to the named Tribes on or after September 23, 2026; the remains were accessioned in 1939 and the notice says no associated funerary objects and no known hazardous substances.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to the Field Museum's NAGPRA Director. Requests may be submitted by (1) any one or more of the Indian Tribes identified in this notice, or (2) any lineal descendant or Indian Tribe not identified who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or have cultural affiliation; repatriation may occur on or after September 23, 2026, and if competing requests are received the Field Museum will decide the most appropriate requestor (joint requests count as a single request).
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