University of Montana may Return human remains after November 2026

University of Montana Missoula Prepares to Return Native American Human Remains and Copper Bracelets

Two individuals at the University of Montana Missoula may be repatriated on or after November 30, 2026. According to an administrative notice, the institution has completed its inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and determined a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana.

The human remains, representing at least one adult likely female and one subadult likely male, arrived at the university prior to 1991. Assigned the University of Montana Forensic Collection accession number UMFC 50, the collection includes 18 associated funerary objects. Documentation noted that these 18 bracelets were being worn on the forearm of the adult individual when they were found. The collection is comprised of two plain copper wire bracelets, one featuring linear engravings, and 15 machine twisted copper wire items, including two with double strands.

The Path to Repatriation and Unanswered Questions

While the administrative determinations rest solely with the University of Montana Missoula, the exact history of how these individuals arrived at the institution remains unknown. According to the available records, their geographic place of origin remains unknown, and it is unknown whether or how the two individuals were connected. Available documentation indicates the university has no record of any hazardous chemicals having been applied to the human remains or the accompanying funerary artifacts.

Formal repatriation of the human remains and funerary objects may occur on or after November 30, 2026. Parties submitting formal applications must send them to Courtney Little Axe, NAGPRA Coordinator and Collections Manager, University of Montana—Missoula, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812, or transmit them electronically to [email protected].

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Potential claimants comprise any Native Hawaiian organization or Indian Tribe listed in the publication, as well as any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that demonstrates through a preponderance of the evidence a direct lineal relationship or cultural affiliation with the items. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the university must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are considered a single request and not competing requests under 25 U.S.C. 3003 and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.10.