Princeton University to Repatriate Native Remains and Artifacts
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Princeton University has finished checking its collection and found human remains and two special items linked to Native American tribes. These remains and objects can be returned to the tribes starting October 9, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the Princeton University Art Museum soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Princeton identifies remains for repatriation
Princeton University identified human remains representing at least one individual and two associated funerary objects (a snuff box and a drum) as culturally affiliated with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. These items are eligible for repatriation and may be returned on or after October 9, 2026.
Who may request repatriation and how
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Lauren Jakobsson at the Princeton University Art Museum (Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 or email [email protected]). Requests may be made by the Indian Tribe identified in the notice (Sitka Tribe of Alaska), any lineal descendant, or another tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026, and Princeton University will decide among competing requests before returning the items.
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