The National Park Service published a notice regarding the completion of an inventory by the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment, Division of Archaeology. This inventory, conducted in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), confirms a cultural connection between certain human remains and artifacts with Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The remains and items were found at various locations in Tennessee and may be repatriated starting February 18, 2025, to the rightful tribes or organizations. Competing claims for repatriation will be resolved by determining the most appropriate requestor.
Simple Explanation
The Tennessee Department of Archaeology found some old bones and items from Native American tribes and said they belong to the Cherokee Nation and other groups. They plan to give these items back to the right people, but they need to figure out exactly who that is by February 2025.