In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of Tennessee's Department of Anthropology has finished an inventory of human remains and determined a cultural connection between them and certain Native American tribes and organizations. These remains, representing at least 16 individuals, were originally removed from various sites in Kansas and later transferred to the university. The cultural affiliations have been determined to include the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, based on archaeological, geographical, historical, and traditional Native American knowledge. Repatriation of these remains is set to begin after May 19, 2025, upon requests from the tribes or lineal descendants who meet certain criteria.
Simple Explanation
The University of Tennessee checked some old bones and figured out which Native American tribes they belong to, so now they are getting ready to give them back to those tribes. This will start after May 19, 2025, if the right people ask for them.