Georgetown to Repatriate Chief Big Foot's Wounded Knee Massacre Hair
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Georgetown University's Booth Family Center found human remains linked to Native American tribes, specifically believed to be Chief Big Foot's hair from the Wounded Knee massacre. Starting April 18, 2025, these remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and history, with no money involved but big cultural importance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains affiliated with two Sioux tribes
Georgetown University's Booth Family Center found human hair clippings identified as "Big Foot's Hair" believed to be Chief Spotted Elk (Chief "Big Foot") from the Wounded Knee massacre. The Booth Family Center determined the remains are Native American and identified a cultural affiliation with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota) and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Repatriation process and timeline
Written requests for repatriation may be sent to the Booth Family Center for Special Collections and repatriation may occur on or after April 18, 2025. Requests may be submitted by the tribes named in the notice, by any lineal descendant, or by another tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation; if competing requests are received the Booth Family Center will determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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