Reports of inadvertent disturbances of human remains and all Burial Discovery Agreement communications are to be directed to the Repatriation Office at asm-repatriation@email.arizona.edu.
General questions about state repatriation can be directed to Cristin Lucas (520-626-0320, lucasc@arizona.edu) or Stacy Ryan (520-626-2950, sryan@arizona.edu).
The Arizona State Museum administers the protection, respectful treatment, and repatriation of human remains encountered on state and private land in Arizona (ARS § 41-844 and § 41-865, respectively). State lands means lands owned or controlled by the State of Arizona or by any agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the State of Arizona, including any county or municipal corporation.
Among its responsibilities, the Repatriation Office oversees:
- Disturbances of human remains on state (ARS § 41-844) and private (ARS § 41-865) land in Arizona and their repatriation.
- Burial Discovery Agreements for planned projects when there is reasonable expectation that human remains may be encountered.
- Reports on the inadvertent disturbance of human remains.
- Consultations regarding human remains disturbances.
All requests for service from the ASM Repatriation Office use the ASM Request Quote for Services website at: https://arizonace.quickbase.com/db/bthqcer2g. Please note that in addition to filling out the form on the quote request website, forms and additional backup documentation are required for all services. Links to forms, form instructions, and other guidance documents may be found here.
Private Land Requirements
Private landowners, including any partnership or corporation thereof, must comply with state law regarding the encounter and disturbance of human remains.
Human Burials, Sacred Objects & You
There will be times when human remains and funerary objects are accidentally disturbed.
Respectful Terminology
Recommended language for the discussion of human remains and funerary objects in archaeological compliance.
Private Consultants
A list of private consultants that may be able to assist in complying with state laws.
Federal Consultation
Please note: the information in this toolkit does not supersede consultation under state law.
Contacts
Cristin Lucas, M.A.
Repatriation Coordinator
lucasc@arizona.edu
520-626-0320
Stacy L. Ryan, M.A.
Assistant Repatriation Coordinator
sryan@arizona.edu
520-626-2950
Arizona State Museum / University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210026
Tucson, AZ 85721-0026
asm-repatriation@email.arizona.edu