Texas Parks Lists Funerary Objects for Tribal Return Notice
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has completed an inventory of associated funerary objects and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Caddo Nation Cultural Affiliation Declared
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says three ceramic vessels (one Ripley Engraved and two Taylor Engraved) from Caddo Mounds (41CE19) in Cherokee County, Texas, are culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. Because of this determination, the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma is identified as connected to these associated funerary objects and is eligible to seek their repatriation.
Repatriation Requests, Timing, And Priority
Written requests to repatriate the three vessels may be submitted to Aina Dodge at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026. Requests may come from any of the tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, any lineal descendant, or a tribe/organization not named that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; if competing requests are received TPWD must decide the most appropriate requestor and joint requests count as a single request.
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