Indiana State University returns Native ancestors from dusty shelves to tribes
Published Date: 9/23/2026
Notice
Summary
Indiana State University has finished checking and identifying Native American human remains and a funerary object found in Dearborn County, Indiana. These remains belong to two Native American individuals, and the university is ready to return them to the affiliated tribes starting October 23, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact ISU soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care for these important cultural items.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
ISU Identifies Two Native Remains and Artifact
Indiana State University identified human remains representing two Native American individuals and one associated funerary object (a turkey bone awl) recovered from site 12-D-0094 in Dearborn County, Indiana. The burials were accidentally exposed during construction in May 1990 and ISU determined the remains are affiliated with the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Michigan and Indiana; Quapaw Nation; Shawnee Tribe; and The Osage Nation.
Who Can Request and When Repatriation May Occur
Repatriation may occur on or after October 23, 2026. Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe that shows by a preponderance of the evidence cultural affiliation; Indiana State University will determine the most appropriate requestor if competing requests are received and will consider joint requests as a single request. Written requests must be sent to Karla Hansen-Speer, Indiana State University, Earth and Environmental Systems Department, 600 N Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809 or by email to [email protected].
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Auburn University at Montgomery has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and artifacts found in Alabama. These items are linked to local Indian Tribes, and they can be returned starting October 23, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.