Yale Peabody Museum to Repatriate Native American Remains and Artifacts to Wabanaki Nations

The Yale Peabody Museum is taking a significant step toward rectifying past injustices by repatriating human remains and funerary objects to Native American tribes of the Wabanaki Nations in Maine. The remains and eight artifacts, which were removed from burial sites in Maine during the 20th century, are being returned under the guidelines of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

History of the Artifacts

• Human Remains: Belong to "at least" one individual, linked to the Wabanaki Nations, which include the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and Penobscot Nation. These remains were excavated from a shell mound near Oak Point on Deer Isle, Hancock County, between 1948 and 1952.
• Funerary Objects: Removed by archaeologist Warren K. Moorehead around 1915, the items include spearheads, red ochre, and gouges—all identified as part of death rites or burial ceremonies.

The Repatriation Process

The museum is actively consulting with tribal partners to ensure the respectful and confidential handling of these culturally significant items. Steven Scarpa, a spokesman for the museum, affirmed their dedication to a process that prioritizes tribal privacy and fosters meaningful relationships with Native communities.

Broader Efforts in Repatriation

The Yale Peabody Museum has repatriated other Native American remains and objects in recent years, including the remains of 13 individuals and 25 burial items to the Santa Ynez Reservation in California in 2024. However, challenges persist: a 2023 CT Insider investigation revealed the museum still holds 90% of unreturned Native American remains in Connecticut, raising questions about the pace and scope of repatriation efforts.

A Path Toward Healing

This repatriation reflects a broader movement in the U.S. to address historical wrongs and restore Native sovereignty over ancestral remains and artifacts. For the Wabanaki Nations, the return of these items holds cultural, spiritual, and historical significance.

The Peabody Museum's actions underscore the importance of adhering to NAGPRA, fostering respectful collaboration, and ensuring Native American communities regain stewardship of their heritage.