No More

Stolen

Ancestors

No More Stolen Ancestors

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History holds 1,496 Seminole ancestors in their collection. All 1,496 individuals are the men, women, children, and warriors of the Seminole people. To date, the museum will not assist with their repatriation as they are considered valuable research assets. Our ancestors are not your research subjects.

Seminole Tribe Fighting to Reclaim Ancestors:

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For more information click on the following links:

Seminole Tribune article, March 2020:

‘No More Stolen Ancestors’ Campaign Urges Return of Seminole Ancestral Remains

NPR Code Switch, October 2021:

‘Skeletons in the Closet’

Washington Post, May 2022:

Smithsonian updates collection policy to promote ethical returns

FPAN Flyer:
No More Stolen Ancestors Research Project Flyer — Seminole Tribal Historic Preservation Office
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