Museum Returns One Native American Skull to Tribes
Published Date: 5/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia has finished checking its collection and found one Native American skull linked to several tribes. Starting June 18, 2026, these remains can be returned to the Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe, and Stockbridge Munsee Community. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
One Native American Remains Eligible
The Wistar Institute identified one Native American cranium that is culturally affiliated with the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), Delaware Tribe of Indians, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin. These human remains may be returned to those tribes on or after June 18, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Jeffrey Blair at The Wistar Institute (3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or the listed email). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the named tribes, or by a lineal descendant or tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Wistar Institute must decide which requestor is most appropriate; joint requests count as a single request.
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