North Dakota allocates $500K for return of Native remains, artifacts

The North Dakota Senate unanimously passed HB 1603, allocating $500,000 over two years to support the repatriation of Native American remains and cultural materials. Funds will go to the state Historical Society and be distributed as grants to tribes. The effort follows the University of North Dakota's discovery of ancestral remains and items on campus. Sen. Jeff Barta said the bill represents a “moral commitment” to justice, healing and tribal collaboration.