Sites & Collections
If you are a tribal representative interested in reviewing any of the listed associated documentation, please email Dr. Jessica Yann, NAGPRA Program Manager, at yannjess@msu.edu.
You may also complete this NAGPRA Information Request form for more information.
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Alaska
Listed in the Federal Register on November 6, 2020; returned on May 20, 2022
One individual labeled as being from Kodiak, Alaska
- This individual is a new listing with the 2019/2020 inventory update, though they may have been listed as unprovenienced originally.
- We have no associated documentation for this individual on file.
This ancestor is listed in the Federal Register listing (link to notice) from November 6, 2020.
This ancestor was successfully transferred to the Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak on May 20, 2022.
Transfer of Legal Control
Transfer of legal control for this ancestor was completed on December 23, 2020 to the following Tribes:
- Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor (previously listed as Native Village of Old Harbor and Village of Old Harbor)
- Kaguyak Village
- Native Village of Afognak
- Native Village of Akhiok
- Native Village of Karluk
- Native Village of Larsen Bay
- Native Village of Ouzinkie
- Native Village of Port Lions
- Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak (previously listed as Shoonaq' Tribe of Kodiak)
- Tangirnaq Native Village (previously listed as Lesnoi Village (aka Woody Island))
Tribes Consulted/Invited to Consult:
- Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor (previously listed as Native Village of Old Harbor and Village of Old Harbor)
- Kaguyak Village
- Native Village of Afognak
- Native Village of Akhiok
- Native Village of Karluk
- Native Village of Larsen Bay
- Native Village of Ouzinkie
- Native Village of Port Lions
- Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak (previously listed as Shoonaq' Tribe of Kodiak)
- Tangirnaq Native Village (previously listed as Lesnoi Village (aka Woody Island))
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Arizona
Published to the Federal Register on September 11, 2020
On May 28, 2019, multiple bags containing human remains were found in the Michigan State University's Forensic Anthropology Laboratory, under the label of "cave dweller prehistoric AZ." In July 2019, a ceramic vessel was confirmed to be associated with the remains, labeled as a "Gila Crematory urn." On October 10, 1961, the Michigan State University Museum acquired the Boudeman Collection from Mrs. Donna Boudeman, whose husband, Donald Boudeman, collected in Alaska, Siberia, and continental North America in the 1920s and 1930s. The remains and vessel were included with that acquisition.
- This individual may have been included on the original inventory, however as from an unknown location and not associated with the ceramic vessel. The provenience information has been amended and updated with the 2019/2020 inventory update.
- We have the original catalog card for the ceramic vessel and the accession inventory on file.
This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 11, 2020.
Tribes Consulted With and Invited to Consult
- Ak Chin Indian Community
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation, Arizona
- Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Indian Reservation, Arizona
- Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona
- Hopi Tribe of Arizona
- Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico
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Arkansas
We have one unassociated funerary object, a ceramic figurine, labeled as having come from a "Caddo Grave" in Clark County, Arkansas. The object number is 2005.52.73; this item is part of the Don Boudeman Collection. Don purchased artifacts from across the United States; his widow donated a portion of the collection to MSU after his death.
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Bahamas
4 individuals labeled as from Watlings Island, Bahamas
- This individual is not subject to NAGPRA, and as such has not been included on any NAGPRA inventories. However, if your group has an interest in the return of these individuals, please contact any of the MSU NAGPRA contacts and we will work with you to return these ancestors.
- Documentation: Object record report for 6498CW and a skeletal summary available upon request.
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California
Published to the Federal Register on January 30, 2023
Sacramento County (Catalog number 2007.77.2): MNI = 1
This individual was recently (5/2022) located within the collections. We have very little documentation for this ancestor, only the original inventory listing.
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on January 30, 2023 and can be viewed here (pdf).
Transfer of Legal Control
Legal control for this ancestor was transferred to Wilton Rancheria, California on March 22, 2023.
Tribes Contacted and Consulted:
- Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California
- California Valley Miwok Tribe, California
- Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California
- Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians [previously listed as Jackson Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California]
- Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Shingle Springs Rancheria (Verona Tract), California
- United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California
- Wilton Rancheria, California
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Colorado
Published to the Federal Register on August 30, 2022
Montezuma County (Catalog number 2004.46.73): MNI = 1
Montezuma County (Catalog number 2008.85.12, 2008.85.13, 2008.85.16): MNI = 2
- These individuals were listed initially as unprovenienced on the original NAGPRA inventory.
- We have limited documentation for these individuals, including:
- Skeletal Examination Form
- Original Catalog Card for 2004.46.73
These ancestors were included in the Federal Register notice (link to notice) published on August 30, 2022.
Transfer of Legal Control
Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 27, 2022 to the culturally affiliated Tribes.
Tribes Contacted and Consulted
- Colorado River Indian Tribes of the Colorado River Indian Reservation, Arizona and California
- Hopi Tribe of Arizona
- Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico (previously listed as Pueblo of Santo Domingo)
- Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah
- Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico (previously listed as Pueblo of San Juan)
- Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Chochiti, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico
- Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico
- Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico
- Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado
- Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation, Utah
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (previously listed as Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mountain Reservation, Colorado, New Mexico & Utah)
- Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (previously listed as Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of Texas)
- Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico
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Florida
Published to the Federal Register on September 24, 2020
Returned on March 9, 2022
Cedar Key State Museum Site, Levy County: MNI = 1; AFO = 1 Lot
- This individual was originally listed as an MNI = 1 with no AFOs. The 2019/2020 inventory update includes adding in AFO = 1, a lot of 24 ceramic sherds.
- Documentation: We have a skeletal examination form and object report documentation available for this individual and associated funerary objects.
Palma Sola Shell Mound, Manatee County: MNI = 1
- This individual is a new listing with the 2019/2020 inventory update. They may have been included on the inventory as an unprovenienced individual originally.
- Documentation: We have a skeletal inventory form and object report for 6506CW available upon request.
These ancestors were both included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 24, 2020.
Transfer of Legal Control
Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 30, 2020 to the following Tribes:
- Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
- Seminole Tribe of Florida
- The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Return
These ancestors were physically returned to the Seminole Tribe of Florida on March 9, 2022.
Tribes Consulted and Invited to Consult:
- Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
- Seminole Tribe of Florida (previously listed as the Seminole Tribe of Florida (Dania, Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood & Tampa Reservations))
- The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
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Indiana
Published to the Federal Register on July 6, 2021; Repatriated on November 12, 2021
6505 CW, LaPorte County: MNI = 1
- This individual is a new listing with the 2019/2020 inventory update. They may have been included on the inventory as an unprovenienced individual originally.
- Documentation: Object record report for 6505CW and skeletal summary are available upon request.
This individual was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for July 6, 2021.
Transfer of Legal Control
Legal control was tranferred to the Tribes requesting it on October 15, 2021.
Return
This ancestor was returned to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on November 12, 2021.
Tribes with Aboriginal Territory:
- Delaware Nation
- Delaware Tribe of Indians
- Stockbridge Munsee Community
- Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
- Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas
- Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
- Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
- Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
- Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma
- Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin
- Hannahville Indian Community, Michigan
- Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan
- Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Michigan (previously listed as the Huron Potawatomi, Inc.)
- Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Michigan and Indiana
- Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (previously listed as the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation, Kansas)
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Kentucky
We have 6 unassociated funerary objects from Wayne County, Kentucky. The objects are all inscribed as having come from "cliff burial". Object identification numbers are 2004.46.52, 2007.79.74, 2007.79.1, 2007.73.34, 2001.14.51, and 2007.73.25.
All the objects originated from the Don Boudeman collection, which was comprised of items Don purchased from throughout the United States
We have one unassociated funerary object listed as originating from a "stone grave" in Trigg County, Kentucky (object number 2009.90.3). The object is a ceramic figuring of a woman. This item is also part of the Boudeman collection.
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Michigan
For a list of Collections originating in Michigan, please go here:
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New Mexico
Published to the Federal Register on August 30, 2022
Three ancestors were identified from archaeological excavation conducted in 1994 at the site of Kite Pueblo (LA-199) in Torrance County, New Mexico. There are no identified associated funerary objects.
MNI = 3
AFO = 0
We have the archaeological reports for this work (both the field report and the burial report) on file and available upon request.
These ancestors were included in the Federal Register notice that was published on August 30, 2022.
Transfer of Legal Control
Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 27, 2022 to all of the culturally affiliated Tribes listed below.
Culturally affiliated Tribes:
- Hope Tribe of Arizona
- Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico
- Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico
- Pueblo of San Juan, New Mexico
- Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Santo Domingo, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico
- Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico
- Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of Texas
- Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico
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Southwest United States
Published to the Federal Register on July 30, 2020
One individual was identified within an older donation to the MSU bioarchaeology laboratory labeled as "Navajo". There were no accompanying funerary objects.
MNI = 1
AFO = 0
There is no associated documentation for this individual.
Culturally Affiliated Tribes
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Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah
The Federal Register notice for this individual was published on July 30,2020.
You may access the notice through this link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/07/30/2020-16496/notice-of-inventory-completion-michigan-state-university-east-lansing-mi
Transfer of Legal Control
Legal control for this ancestor was transferred on September 23, 2020 to the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah.
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Tennessee
We have one unassociated funerary object labeled as having originated from a "prehistoric stone grave." The artifact is object number 2006.69.22, from Davidson County, Tennessee. It is a ceramic effigy pot.
We have one unassociated funerary object labeled as a "dipper(cup) from stone grave", from Montgomery County, Tennessee. The object number is 2007.77.1.
Both items are part of the Boudeman collection, comprised of items purchased from across the United States by Don Boudeman, and then donated to MSU by his widow.
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Unknown provenience
For a list of collections where we have no provenience information, go to this page:
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West Virginia
Ancestors recovered from the Buffalo Site (46Pu13) were identified within faunal remains present in the archaeological collections.
MNI = 16
AFO = 0
We have the archaeological reports for this work (the initial site report and the faunal analysis) on file and available upon request.
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Returned Ancestors
Alaska
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on November 6, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak on May 20, 2022.
Alcona County (FA 054-17)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 8, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Arenac County (4321)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Barry County (2004.46.2)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi on February 17, 2021.
Bay County (Marquette Viaduct)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on October 28, 2021. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Berrien County (6365CW; 6453 CW)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on November 11, 2020.
Branch County (2004.46.1)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.
Cass County (2004.46.58)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on November 10, 2022. The ancestr was returned to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on May 11, 2023.
Cedar Key State Museum, Levy County, Florida (3383)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 24, 2020. The ancestor was returned/physically transferred to the Seminole Tribe of Florida on March 9, 2022.
Charlevoix County (2004.46.72)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.
Clinton County (Matthews; Cutler)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Duck Lake Mound, 20CA16 (Calhoun County)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.
Eaton County (Sunfield Black)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 8, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Emmet County (F.5.0; FA-045-17; Mackinaw City)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.
Fletcher, 20BY28 (Bay County)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on September 9, 1996 for 145 individuals and 65,160 associated funerary objects. The ancestors and associated funerary objects were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan on October 11, 1996 and October 15, 1996.
Fort Brady, 20CH51 (Chippewa County)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.
Huron County (Kleinfeld, Pinnebog)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Huron/Sanilac County (FA 039-06)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Ingham County (Root)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Ionia County (Ionia; Muir; 1031)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Iosco County (Brandt)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Kalamazoo County (2004.46.74)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi on February 17, 2021.
La Porte County, Indiana (6505CW)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on July 6, 2021. The ancestor was returned/physically transferred to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians on November 12, 2021.
Lapeer County (Childers, Scott Mound, MSP cases)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Lasanen, 20MK21
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 1998, for 137 individuals and 18,622 associated funerary objects. The ancestors and associated funerary objects were returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians during a consultation held on October 29, 1998.
Leelanau County (Case 2056-68)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.
Lenawee County (F.2.71; Lenawee 1998)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.
Livingston County (Horizon Hills)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Mackinac County (Bois Blanc, F.1.79)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.
Marquette Mission, 20MK82
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2016 for three ancestors and three associated funerary objects. The ancestors and objects were transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan on May 6, 2016.
Midland County (20MD310)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Monroe County (MSP Case 58-1951)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 8, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.
Oakland County (20OK545, FA-033-17)
The Notice of Inventorty Completion was published on November 10, 2022. The ancestors were returned to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on April 25, 2023.
Palma Sola Shell Mound, Manatee County, Florida (6506CW)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 24, 2020. The ancestor was returned/physically transferred to the Seminole Tribe of Florida on March 9, 2022.
Rodney Mound (Mecosta County)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 11, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.
Saginaw County (Casassa; Mount Lion; Frazer-Tyra)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Sanilac County (20SL2)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Sanuskar, 20JA150
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2013 for 10 ancestors and no associated funerary objects. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.
Shiawassee County (Jarrard)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
St. Clair County (F.3.72)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Tuscola County
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.
Wakefield (Gogebic County)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.
Ancestors from unknown locations within Michigan (Wildner, 2004.45.255, F.1.0, F.3.71, FA 019-08, FA 058-83, 7471)
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020. The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.
Ancestors from Unknown Locations
The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on November 8, 2021. The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians on August 11, 2022.
Other Returns
In addition to these cases, several ancestors that arrived at Michigan State University through the Forensic Anthropology Lab (FAL) were determined to not be under the control of Michigan State University, and transfer of their possession was facilitated to either the agency that had control, or to that agency’s designee.
Ontonagon Site
Little information is present regarding this particular case. It likely came in as a forensic case, and was present in the FAL in 2004. There were a minimum of two ancestors present. These ancestors were initially listed on the Michigan State University’s NAGPRA inventory; however, it was determined that control of these ancestors remained with the local police agency and at an unknown date (after April of 2014 but prior to January 2015) possession was transferred to that agency.
Jamet Street, 20CN98
Several ancestors (MNI=3) were located at an unknown time in Mackinaw City, Michigan and were excavated by the Michigan Bureau of History. They were brought to Michigan State University to be identified by the physical anthropologists. At some point, it was determined that the ancestors were still controlled by Mackinac State Historic Parks and possession was transferred back to that agency. These ancestors may have been included in that agency's Federal Register Notice from December 4, 2008.
Stone Street, 20GS136
In January of 2008, house construction in Flint unearthed human skeletal remains. These initially identified individuals were transferred to Michigan State University, where the physical anthropologists identified a minimum of two individuals, at least one of which was male. There were no associated funerary objects reported. Working under direction from the landowner (the Genesee County Land Bank), Michigan State University transferred possession of the ancestors to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan on April 3, 2013.