Ousley—Repatriation and the Smithsonian

The repatriation of Native American human remains has been a significant issue at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History for the past 40 years. Following the requirements of the National Museum of the American Indian Act of 1989, which mandated the use of the best available scientific and historical documentation to trace tribal origins, the Museum created the Repatriation Osteology Laboratory, which Stephen Ousley directed for the majority of his career at the Smithsonian. For nearly a decade, Ousley led exemplary osteological research in the service of repatriation, applying techniques of forensic anthropology, innovating craniometric and statistical analyses, and working collaboratively with the museum’s Native American partners. His high standards for the research and objective treatment of osteological evidence requiring critical thinking have served as a model for the Repatriation Office, students, and Native and non-Native researchers he worked with during his time at the Smithsonian and beyond.