Ray Halbritter, representative for the Oneida Indian Nation of New York, has made a personal journey to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City to bring home the remains of one of his ancestors who was stolen and kept in the museum’s archives for over 100 years. This represents a broader issue faced by Native American tribes across the country, as they strive to reclaim the remains and sacred items that were taken from them over centuries and are now held in museums and institutions far from their lands.
Under the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), institutions that receive federal funding are required to identify and return Native American ancestral remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to the tribes. However, progress in repatriation has been slow, with many items still unidentified and unreturned.
Despite criticism of the law for lacking clear guidelines on consultations and timelines, recent updates to NAGPRA have accelerated the repatriation process. Institutions like the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York have begun to cover exhibits and work with Native communities to consult on the return of ancestral remains and sacred items.
Ray Halbritter expressed optimism about the progress made in repatriation efforts in recent years, noting that institutions have been working harder to return his ancestors and others. He emphasized the importance of treating ancestors with respect and providing appropriate ceremonies for their reburial. The return of these items is seen as a step towards reconciliation and healing for Native American tribes, ensuring that their ancestors are honored and cared for as they deserve.
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