Bloomington Leader

Indiana University has completed its first international repatriation of human remains to the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island. Jayne-Leigh Thomas, executive director of IU’s Office of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, visited the island in December as an invited guest of Rapa Nui representatives. She is collaborating with them on research projects related to the ethics of repatriation.

“To know that I played a small part in returning these Rapa Nui ancestors to Easter Island is overwhelming and so personally rewarding,” said Thomas. “To be so warmly welcomed onto the island, to build relationships with Rapa Nui representatives, and to have the opportunity to see the rich cultural heritage and visit archaeological sites was simply incredible.”

The remains were donated to IU in the 1990s by David M. Lodge, a descendant of United States Navy Rear Adm. George Henry Cooke. Cooke served aboard the USS Mohican, which visited Easter Island in 1886 to collect large stone sculptures for the Smithsonian Institute.

Cooke’s report mentions Pakomio Mā‘ori, a survivor of Peruvian slave raids in 1862. His great-great-grandson Francisco Nahoe worked with Thomas on this repatriation.

Upon return to Easter Island, a traditional karaŋa ceremony was held presided over by Zoilo Huki Atamu, Susana Nahoe, Friar Francisco Nahoe, and Joel Huki Atamu.

The Rapa Nui people have been active in repatriation efforts globally. Francisco Nahoe stated: “Everyone knows the unique legacy of material culture that we inherited from our ancestors... It is our duty to find and recover their remains.” He also emphasized support from international bodies like the United Nations for Indigenous peoples' rights.

Nahoe attended IU’s Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training Program with his cousin Susana Nahoe. The program offers best practices regarding repatriation under NAGPRA and has attracted global interest due to its potential applicability worldwide.

“There’s no question that 35 years of compliance with this act have generated an ethos of repatriation in the United States,” said Francisco Nahoe. “IU...is now leading the way by working on these issues with Indigenous communities beyond NAGPRA.”

During her visit, Thomas met with officials and community members about future collaborations including education programs on international repatriation and osteological training.

Thomas aims to expand IU's leadership role internationally while continuing domestic efforts under NAGPRA. She plans larger projects involving IU law faculty and global partnerships.

“IU is fully committed to our NAGPRA work...but we also support the return of all Indigenous human remains,” said Russell J. Mumper, IU Vice President for Research.