Federal Register #2026-22151

Notice of completed inventory and potential repatriation of Native American human remains

This National Park Service notice reports completed inventory work and possible repatriation of Native American human remains held by Tennessee’s Division of Archaeology. - Government agencies: The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology (TDEC-DOA), holds the remains; the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior, published the notice. - Inventory: The remains represent at least two individuals and were reportedly removed from an unidentified site along the Hiwassee River in Polk County, Tennessee. - Identified cultural affiliations: Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. - Repatriation: Eligible tribes, lineal descendants, and other qualifying culturally affiliated tribes may submit written requests to TDEC-DOA. - Notable handling detail: Glue on one individual’s jaw will remain in place to prevent further damage. - Procurement status: This is a cultural-property repatriation notice, not a procurement. No OEMs, vendors, products, quantities, or contracted services are identified.

Description

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology completed an inventory of human remains from an unknown site in Polk County, Tennessee. The remains represent at least two individuals and were reportedly removed from an unknown location along the Hiwassee River during the early 20th century. The notice identifies cultural affiliation with the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Repatriation may occur on or after November 30, 2026.

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