Global Naga Forum voices support for repatriation of ancestral remains

The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed solidarity with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in its mission to repatriate Naga ancestral remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) back to their rightful homeland. “On behalf of the Global Naga Forum, we gratefully express our solidarity with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, as they lead the sacred cultural mission to bring the Naga ancestral remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum back to their rightful homeland from where they were taken,” the GNF stated in a press statement.

The GNF emphasized that the journey home of the displaced Naga remains represents “a significant and necessary act of cultural recovery.” It further noted that this repatriation can hold deeper meaning: “if the Naga people are alive to the rich continuity of life, history, and cultures in their beautiful homeland and are in tune with the indomitable and resilient spirit of their forebears for what is right and just and good.”

According to the GNF, the return of the ancestral remains could symbolize the beginning of a collective journey for today’s Naga people, moving from past divisions and animosities toward understanding and healing. “The return of their forebears home could also be the beginning of today’s Naga people’s collective journey from past and present divisions and animosities toward understanding and healing,” it said.

The statement commended the FNR for its leadership in this sacred community work, linking the historic homecoming of the Naga ancestors with potential cultural restoration and reconciliation among the present generation. The GNF described the FNR’s efforts as a “timely reminder for Nagas spread across the unnatural borders of the importance of reclaiming not only their dignity as one people with a shared history, but of a worthy legacy to live for and to bequeath to the generations to follow.”

The GNF also expressed gratitude to the Pitt Rivers Museum for its willingness to engage in the sensitive process of repatriation. It acknowledged the Museum’s commitment to addressing past injustices through collaboration with Naga communities.

MT