The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District (USACE Tulsa) plans to handle human remains and funerary objects uncovered from Federal or Tribal lands according to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The Chickasaw Nation has the first claim to these remains and objects, which were discovered at the old Willis Cemetery site. If no additional claims are received by January 20, 2026, they will be deemed unclaimed. Interested parties, such as descendants or tribes, are encouraged to contact the USACE Tulsa by February 18, 2025, if they wish to claim these remains and objects.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. Army Corps found some bones and special objects from an old burial place, and they want to give them back to the right tribe or family, starting with the Chickasaw Nation. People who think they should get these items need to let the Army Corps know by February 18, 2025.