Tennessee archaeology office prepares ancestral remains for return
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation finished checking human remains found in Polk County, TN, and confirmed they belong to Native American ancestors. Starting November 30, 2026, these remains can be returned to the related tribes. This helps honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains Identified as Native American Ancestors
TDEC-DOA determined that the donated human remains represent at least two individuals of Native American ancestry recovered from an unknown site along the Hiwassee River in Polk County, Tennessee. The remains are culturally affiliated with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma.
Tribes May Request Repatriation Starting Nov 30, 2026
The notice allows the identified Tribes or any lineal descendant to submit written requests for repatriation, and repatriation may occur on or after November 30, 2026. Requests must be sent to Phillip R. Hodge at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology (1216 Foster Avenue, Cole Building #3, Nashville, TN 37243) or the listed email; competing requests will be resolved by TDEC-DOA and joint requests count as a single request.
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