Boston University Identifies Remains and Artifacts for Tribal Return
Published Date: 10/22/2026
Notice
Summary
Boston University has finished checking and identifying human remains and related items linked to Native American tribes from Essex County, Massachusetts. Starting November 23, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes. This process helps honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available After November 23, 2026
Boston University says the human remains and associated funerary objects may be returned to tribes or descendants on or after November 23, 2026. The items came from Beverly, Essex County, Massachusetts and were identified during an October 2024 collections assessment.
Tribes Identified as Culturally Affiliated
Boston University determined there is a reasonable connection between the remains/objects and these tribes: Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians; Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe; Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe; Mi'kmaq Nation; Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut; Narragansett Indian Tribe; Passamaquoddy Tribe; Penobscot Nation; and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Boston University's authorized representative. Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes named in the notice or by a lineal descendant or other tribe that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
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