Medicine Rock Cave Finds Move Closer to Tribal Repatriation
Published Date: 11/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Fremont-Winema National Forest in Oregon has finished checking and identifying human remains and related items found in Medicine Rock Cave. These remains belong to Native American tribes connected to the area. Starting December 14, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes, honoring their cultural heritage without any cost to them.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Inventory finds tied to Klamath Tribes
The Fremont-Winema National Forest completed an inventory showing human remains of at least two Native American individuals and 365 associated funerary objects from Medicine Rock Cave (35KL08), excavated in 1947 in Klamath County, Oregon. The Forest Service determined these remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Klamath Tribes.
Repatriation available starting December 14, 2026
Repatriation of the two human remains and 365 associated funerary objects may occur on or after December 14, 2026. Written repatriation requests must be sent to the Fremont-Winema National Forest supervisor; eligible requestors include the identified Indian Tribes, any lineal descendant, or other tribes/organizations that show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the Fremont-Winema National Forest will determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint repatriation requests count as a single request.
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