2026-06354Notice

Auburn University Preps Return of Ancient Native Digs

Published Date: 4/2/2026

Notice

Summary

Auburn University at Montgomery has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items found during past digs. These remains and objects belong to certain Native tribes and can be returned starting May 4, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—this is a big step in respecting Native heritage without any cost involved.

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

University Identifies 49 Native Remains

Auburn University at Montgomery identified human remains representing 49 Native American individuals and 10,431 associated funerary objects held in its archaeology laboratory. The university determined these remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Kialegee Tribal Town; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; Poarch Band of Creek Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town.

Repatriation Requests Start May 4, 2026

Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after May 4, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Megan LeBlanc, Auburn University at Montgomery, P.O. Box 244023, Montgomery, AL 36124, or emailed to [email protected] and [email protected]; Auburn University at Montgomery will resolve competing requests and treats joint repatriation requests as a single request.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
4/2/2026
5/4/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
National Park Service
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