2026-02694Notice

Alabama University Lists Native Remains for Tribal Return

Published Date: 2/11/2026

Notice

Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items found at an old village site in Alabama. These remains and objects will be returned to the right Native tribes starting March 13, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university’s anthropology department soon!

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Identified Tribes Eligible for Return

The University of Alabama at Birmingham will return human remains representing at least five individuals and 101 associated funerary objects to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Poarch Band of Creek Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town. Repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026.

Other Tribes or Descendants Can Request Return

Any of the named tribes or any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests may be submitted to Dr. Lauren Downs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026.

How Competing or Joint Requests Are Handled

If competing requests for repatriation are received, the University of Alabama at Birmingham must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests for joint repatriation are considered a single request. This procedure applies to the human remains and 101 associated funerary objects and can be acted on on or after March 13, 2026.

No Record of Hazardous Treatment

The University reports there is no record that potentially hazardous substances were used to treat the ancestors or associated funerary objects described in this notice, which may affect how tribes handle and accept the remains and objects during repatriation.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
2/11/2026
3/13/2026

Department and Agencies

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Interior Department
National Park Service
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