2025-23206Notice

Brown University Repatriates Ancestral Remains to Wampanoag Tribes

Published Date: 12/18/2025

Notice

Summary

Brown University’s Haffenreffer Museum has finished checking its collection and found six Native American human remains linked to the Mashpee Wampanoag and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Six Native Remains Eligible for Return

Brown University's Haffenreffer Museum identified human remains representing six Native American individuals from the Seekonk Poor Farm (discovered in 1962) that are affiliated with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Repatriation to an authorized requestor may occur on or after January 20, 2026; written requests must be sent to Kellie Bowers, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, 300 Tower Street, Bristol, RI 02889 (email: [email protected]).

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
12/18/2025
1/20/2026

Department and Agencies

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Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
National Park Service
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