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Repatriation Visits

At the close of the conference “Responsibility and Repair: Legacies of Indigenous Enslavement, Indenture, and Colonization at Harvard and Beyond” organized by Harvard in November 2023, current Interim President Alan Garber spoke to the University’s continued focus on the work of repatriation and commitment to expeditious repatriation of ancestors, and providing support to that end. 

In January 2024 the museum announced that the University would provide travel funding for Tribal representatives to come to the museum for the physical repatriation of ancestors and associated funerary belongings. This is in addition to investments recently made by the Peabody to increase the speed of repatriations, while honoring Tribal timelines. We recognize that Tribes face many barriers to the reburial of ancestors but hope that providing these funds will help lessen the burden.

Further Details

Funding is available for two representatives authorized by the Tribe to come to the museum for the physical repatriation of ancestors and associated funerary belongings. The funding will generally include transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals for direct round-trip travel and up to 3 nights in Cambridge. The museum will also provide rehousing materials used onsite. We are not able to cover costs for events, religious observances, or other materials or services after the transfer.

To request further information and discuss a possible visit please contact the Tribal and Community Visit Coordinator, Dakota LaPlante, at peabody-director@fas.harvard.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for funding?

Any Indian Tribe and Native Hawaiian Organization that is affiliated to the ancestors and/or associated funerary belongings in the Notice of Inventory Completion. 

Who can travel?

The museum will cover expenses for up to two authorized Tribal representatives. Representatives must have written permission to undertake the transfer on official tribal letterhead, signed by the Tribal Chair.

What expenses are covered?

The museum will cover costs for direct round-trip travel to the Peabody Museum. These expenses may include airfare/mileage, accommodation en route if needed, and funds for incidental expenses. Up to three nights of hotel accommodation in the Cambridge, MA area will be covered. All expenses must be agreed in advance and follow Harvard’s Travel Policy, details of which will be provided. 

Who makes the arrangements?

The Peabody Museum will assist in arranging travel and will book accommodations, vehicle rental, and air travel directly. The museum will endeavor to reduce as much as possible the out-of-pocket costs that need to be reimbursed. 

What if ancestors have been affiliated to multiple Tribes in a Notice of Inventory Completion?

All Tribes named as affiliated in the Notice of Inventory Completion can request funding.

Is there a limit to how many times my Tribe is eligible for funding to visit?

No, Tribal Nations may request funding for multiple visits for the physical transfer of ancestors and associated funerary belongings.

Are costs for consultation visits covered by this initiative?

No, this funding is only available for the physical transfer of ancestors and associated funerary belongings.

Are funds available for lineal descendants?

No, the museum is not able to provide funding for lineal descendants but welcomes them to visit. 

How do I find out more?

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions at peabody-director@fas.harvard.edu.