Brown University Repatriates Ancestral Remains to Wampanoag Tribes
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Brown University’s Haffenreffer Museum has finished checking its collection and found six Native American human remains linked to the Mashpee Wampanoag and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Six Native Remains Eligible for Return
Brown University's Haffenreffer Museum identified human remains representing six Native American individuals from the Seekonk Poor Farm (discovered in 1962) that are affiliated with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Repatriation to an authorized requestor may occur on or after January 20, 2026; written requests must be sent to Kellie Bowers, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, 300 Tower Street, Bristol, RI 02889 (email: [email protected]).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11231 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 24 important Native American cultural items, like beans and corn seeds, to the tribes they belong to starting July 6, 2026. These items were collected in the 1940s and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23205 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO
The Fine Arts Center at Colorado College plans to return two special baskets to the Tejon Indian Tribe, who have a deep cultural connection to them. This repatriation will start on or after January 20, 2026, honoring Native American heritage and respecting their traditions. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and respecting cultural treasures.
Next: 2025-23207 — Determination Pursuant to Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, as Amended
Starting December 18, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security is speeding up the building of barriers and roads along the New Mexico border by temporarily skipping some usual rules. This move helps stop illegal crossings and keeps the country safer. It affects border construction projects and shows the government’s serious commitment to border security without delay.