Rhode Island University Completes Inventory for Tribal Repatriation
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Rhode Island has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found a connection to certain Native tribes and are ready to return these remains starting November 30, 2026. This means tribes can now ask to have their ancestors’ remains and objects sent back, with no cost mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting Nov 30, 2026
The University of Rhode Island identified human remains representing six Native American individuals and one associated funerary object and determined they are affiliated with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Repatriation of these remains and the object may occur on or after November 30, 2026, and written requests must be sent to the University of Rhode Island representatives named in the notice.
Who May Request Repatriation and Process
The notice allows the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to submit written repatriation requests. It also permits any one or more of the tribes named, or any lineal descendant or other tribe/Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation, to request repatriation; if competing requests are received, the University of Rhode Island must decide the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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The University of Rhode Island has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains and related items linked to local tribes. These remains and objects can be returned to the tribes starting November 30, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back important cultural items, respecting Native American heritage without any cost involved.