Ball State to return Native remains to Shawnee, Coushatta tribes
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Ball State University found Native American human remains in their collection, linked to tribes like the Absentee-Shawnee and Alabama-Coushatta. Starting October 9, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage with no costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Native Remains Eligible for Repatriation
If you are a member of any of the tribes named in this notice or a proven lineal descendant, you may request return of the Native American human remains. Repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026, and written requests must be sent to Chyan Gilaspy at Ball State University (address and email listed in the notice). Ball State University will decide among competing requests and may accept requests from other tribes or descendants who show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18329, Notice of Inventory Completion: Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham, AL
The Birmingham Museum of Art has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains can be returned to the tribes starting October 9, 2026. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage, with no costs mentioned for the process.
Next: 2026-18331, Notice of Inventory Completion: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA
Caltrans finished checking old Native American items found during road work in Sonoma County and confirmed they belong to local tribes. Starting October 9, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes. This helps honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their history.