Rhode Island University Identifies 31 Ancestors for Return
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Rhode Island has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and found they belong to at least 31 individuals connected to local tribes. Starting August 3, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This important step respects Native American heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Repatriation allowed starting August 3, 2026
The University of Rhode Island determined the collection contains the physical remains of 39 Native American individuals and 67 associated funerary objects and identified a cultural affiliation with the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Repatriation to affiliated Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or eligible lineal descendants may occur on or after August 3, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
Any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization named in the notice, or any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named that shows by a preponderance of the evidence cultural affiliation, may submit a written repatriation request. If competing requests are received, the University of Rhode Island must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
University keeps legal control; museum provides care
URI retains legal control of four Ancestors and 67 associated funerary objects from the Whitford Collection, while the Tomaquag Museum physically cares for cultural belongings under URI's authority. This arrangement affects which institution currently has legal title versus physical custody of specific remains and objects.
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