Federal Register #2026-15713

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Native American Cultural Items by Michigan State University

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of Native American cultural items by Michigan State University, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. - 141 cultural items identified as unassociated funerary objects are to be repatriated - Items include groundstone tools, projectile points, stone tools, pipes, pendants, pottery, effigies, copper celts, and other artifacts - Artifacts originate from Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties in Michigan - Cultural affiliation is established with several Potawatomi tribes: - Citizen Potawatomi Nation - Forest County Potawatomi Community - Hannahville Indian Community - Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi - Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi - Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians - Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation - Action is conducted under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - No OEMs, vendors, or procurement activities are involved; this is a legal and administrative process regarding cultural heritage

Description

Michigan State University intends to repatriate 141 cultural items classified as unassociated funerary objects that have cultural affiliation with various Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. These items include groundstone tools, projectile points, stone tools, pipes, pendants, and other artifacts from locations in Michigan. The repatriation is in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and may occur on or after September 2, 2026. Requests for repatriation must be submitted in writing to the authorized representative at Michigan State University.

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