Florida Department of State to Repatriate Caddo Nation Remains in Tallahassee
Okay, here are three draft requests for repatriation, tailored for sending to Tea Kaplan at teh Florida Department of State. I’ve provided variations in tone and detail, ranging from formal/legalistic to more direct/assertive. please read the “Crucial considerations” section after the drafts.
Important Considerations BEFORE Sending:
* Tribal Authority: crucially, these drafts are written as if a representative of the Caddo Nation is sending them. You MUST have the authorization of the Caddo Nation to send these requests. Sending these on behalf of the Tribe without their explicit consent is inappropriate and potentially harmful.
* Consultation Records: The notice states the FDOS has consultation records. It’s vital to know what those records contain and how the Caddo Nation was involved in the initial determination of cultural affiliation. Reference those consultations in your letter if possible.
* Legal Counsel: If the Caddo Nation has legal counsel regarding NAGPRA matters, have them review these drafts before sending.
* Documentation: Keep copies of all correspondence.
* Delivery Method: While email is provided, consider sending a hard copy via certified mail with return receipt requested for documentation purposes.
Draft 1: Formal & Legalistic
[Date]
Tea Kaplan
Florida Department of State
2100 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Email: [email protected]
**Subject: Request for Repatriation of Native American Human Remains – Lake jackson Remains**
Dear Ms. Kaplan,
This letter constitutes a formal request for the repatriation of human remains determined to be of Native American ancestry, currently held by the Florida Department of State (FDOS). These remains, representing at least two individuals, were transferred from the Leon County Sheriff's office following their discovery on the dry lakebed of lake Jackson, Tallahassee, Florida, as detailed in the Notice published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2026 (2026-01538).
The FDOS has determined, based on available information and consultation, that these remains are culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation. This determination is supported by forensic isotopic data indicating an origin in Arkansas and Missouri,regions historically and presently associated with Caddo ancestral lands,and by information provided via an anonymous tip specifically identifying the Caddo Nation.
Pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and in recognition of the inherent rights of the Caddo Nation to the care and control of our ancestral remains, we respectfully request the immediate transfer of these human remains to a designated representative of the Caddo Nation for reburial in accordance with our traditional practices.
Please provide a detailed inventory of the remains, including any documentation related to their analysis and chain of custody. We also request information regarding the FDOS’s proposed timeline for repatriation and any associated logistical arrangements.
We look forward to your prompt response and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title/Position within Caddo Nation – *MUST BE AUTHORIZED*]
[Caddo Nation Address]
[Caddo Nation Phone Number]
[Caddo Nation Email Address]
[Date]
Tea Kaplan
Florida Department of State
2100 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Email: [email protected]
**Subject: Request for Repatriation of Native American Human Remains – Lake jackson Remains**
Dear Ms. Kaplan,
This letter constitutes a formal request for the repatriation of human remains determined to be of Native American ancestry, currently held by the Florida Department of State (FDOS). These remains, representing at least two individuals, were transferred from the Leon County Sheriff's office following their discovery on the dry lakebed of lake Jackson, Tallahassee, Florida, as detailed in the Notice published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2026 (2026-01538).
The FDOS has determined, based on available information and consultation, that these remains are culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation. This determination is supported by forensic isotopic data indicating an origin in Arkansas and Missouri,regions historically and presently associated with Caddo ancestral lands,and by information provided via an anonymous tip specifically identifying the Caddo Nation.
Pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and in recognition of the inherent rights of the Caddo Nation to the care and control of our ancestral remains, we respectfully request the immediate transfer of these human remains to a designated representative of the Caddo Nation for reburial in accordance with our traditional practices.
Please provide a detailed inventory of the remains, including any documentation related to their analysis and chain of custody. We also request information regarding the FDOS’s proposed timeline for repatriation and any associated logistical arrangements.
We look forward to your prompt response and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title/Position within Caddo Nation – *MUST BE AUTHORIZED*]
[Caddo Nation Address]
[Caddo Nation Phone Number]
[Caddo Nation Email Address]Draft 2: Direct & Assertive
[Date]
Tea Kaplan
Florida Department of State
2100 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Email: [email protected]
**Subject: Repatriation Request – Caddo Ancestral Remains – Lake Jackson, FL**
Dear Ms. Kaplan,
The Caddo Nation hereby formally requests the repatriation of the ancestral remains currently held by the Florida Department of State. These remains, representing at least two individuals, were identified following their discovery near Lake Jackson, tallahassee, Florida, and were the subject of a Federal Register notice on January 27, 2026 (2026-01538).
the FDOS has correctly determined that these remains are culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation, based on isotopic data confirming origin in Arkansas and Missouri – lands central to our history and heritage. The information provided by law enforcement, including an anonymous tip, further supports this affiliation.
We expect full compliance with the Native american Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and request the immediate transfer of these remains to the Caddo Nation for respectful reburial according to our traditions.Please provide a complete inventory of the remains and a proposed date for repatriation. We are prepared to coordinate logistics for their return. We also request copies of all consultation records related to these remains.We anticipate a swift and positive response to this request.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[title/position within Caddo Nation – *MUST BE AUTHORIZED*]
[Caddo Nation Address]
[Caddo Nation Phone Number]
[Caddo Nation Email Address]
[Date]
Tea Kaplan
Florida Department of State
2100 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Email: [email protected]
**Subject: Repatriation Request – Caddo Ancestral Remains – Lake Jackson, FL**
Dear Ms. Kaplan,
The Caddo Nation hereby formally requests the repatriation of the ancestral remains currently held by the Florida Department of State. These remains, representing at least two individuals, were identified following their discovery near Lake Jackson, tallahassee, Florida, and were the subject of a Federal Register notice on January 27, 2026 (2026-01538).
the FDOS has correctly determined that these remains are culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation, based on isotopic data confirming origin in Arkansas and Missouri – lands central to our history and heritage. The information provided by law enforcement, including an anonymous tip, further supports this affiliation.
We expect full compliance with the Native american Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and request the immediate transfer of these remains to the Caddo Nation for respectful reburial according to our traditions.Please provide a complete inventory of the remains and a proposed date for repatriation. We are prepared to coordinate logistics for their return. We also request copies of all consultation records related to these remains.We anticipate a swift and positive response to this request.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[title/position within Caddo Nation – *MUST BE AUTHORIZED*]
[Caddo Nation Address]
[Caddo Nation Phone Number]
[Caddo Nation Email Address]Draft 3: Concise & Focused
“`
[Date]
Tea Kaplan
florida Department of State
2100 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Repatriation Request – Caddo Human Remains – Lake Jackson
Dear Ms. Kaplan,
This letter requests the repatriation of the human remains of at least two individuals, identified as culturally affiliated with the Caddo Nation, currently held by the Florida Department of State.This request is based on