George E. Peters : “Harvard Peabody Museum: Archaeology & Ethnology”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Harvard Peabody Museum exhibits”
2. “Cambridge ethnology research”

The National Park Service, Interior, has completed an inventory of human remains in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, has determined a cultural affiliation between the human remains and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation may occur on or after June 12, 2024. Requests for repatriation must be sent to the authorized representative. The PMAE has determined that the human remains represent one individual of Native American ancestry with a connection to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. This notice is part of the NAGPRA administrative responsibilities. For more information, contact Jane Pickering at jpickering@fas.harvard.edu.

The National Park Service, under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department, has recently issued a notice regarding the repatriation of human remains in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University has completed an inventory of human remains and has established a cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations.

The human remains in question were collected at the Flandreau Indian School in Moody County, South Dakota. The remains consist of hair clippings from an individual identified as “Chippewa,” who was recorded as being 18 years old. The hair clippings were collected between 1930 and 1933 by George E. Peters and later donated to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in 1935. No associated funerary objects were present with the remains.

Cultural affiliation has been clearly identified based on the information available about the human remains. The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology has determined that the human remains represent the physical remains of one individual of Native American ancestry. There is also a reasonable connection between the human remains and associated funerary objects and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Minnesota (White Earth Band).

Requests for repatriation of the human remains must be sent to the authorized representative identified in the notice. Requests can be submitted by the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations mentioned in the notice, as well as by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization who can prove a cultural affiliation. Repatriation of the human remains to a requestor may occur on or after June 12, 2024.

The National Park Service’s administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA require the publication of this notice. The determinations in the notice are the sole responsibility of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations made in this notice.

In conclusion, the repatriation of human remains is an important step in honoring and respecting the cultural heritage and traditions of Native American communities. The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology’s commitment to cultural affiliation and respectful repatriation demonstrates a dedication to upholding the values of NAGPRA.