The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GRSM) plans to return a cultural item, a stone pipe, that is considered a sacred object, to the rightful descendant or affiliated tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The stone pipe was originally associated with Yonaguska, a known Cherokee leader, and donated to the park in 1937. Repatriation could occur on or after February 18, 2025, and any additional claims need to be supported with evidence showing cultural affiliation or lineal descent. If multiple requests are made, GRSM will determine the most appropriate requestor before proceeding with the repatriation.
Simple Explanation
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning to give back a special stone pipe to the people it belongs to, because it's important to their culture. They will do this following some rules, and they’ll make sure they give it back to the right person or group.