STATE AND TRIBAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
(as of February 2005)
Date Enacted: Last amended 1989
Summary: The Aboriginal Records and Antiquities Act prohibits the exploration or excavation of aboriginal remains on state lands without a permit from the Director of Natural Resources. It also makes it illegal to remove relics or records of antiquity such as human bones without private land owners permission. More general preservation statutes establish the Historical Commission and outline the requirement to consult with the Indian Affairs Commission. The law does not have specific direction on repatriation of human remains or grave goods, nor does it outline steps to follow in cases of inadvertent discovery of unmarked human graves during authorized projects.
Online State Law Source: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.asp?page=ChapterIndex
Permitting: The Director of Natural Resources has jurisdiction for issuing excavation permits.
Penalties: Anyone who, without lawful authority, is guilty of a felony with fines of up to $5,000 or jail for up to two years, or both.
Review/Consultation Committee: Michigan’s Indian Affairs Commission should be consulted.
Indian Affairs Office/Department:
Tribal Websites:
Resources: Historical Commission (Michigan Stat. Ann. §399.1, et seq.).
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