10/17/2026
After more than a century, 11 Native American and Alaska Native children have been returned to their families and Tribal communities from Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
On October 2, 2026, the Office of Army Cemeteries announced the completion of its latest repatriation operation involving children who had attended the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
Among those returned were Tummassak, an Iñupiaq girl welcomed home to Shishmaref, Alaska, and Della Tuscarora Atkins, whose relatives and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes welcomed her home to Duck Valley.
These homecomings reflect years of dedication by families, Tribal communities and researchers who worked with historical records, family knowledge and archival materials to reconnect the children with their relatives.
Repatriation is about more than returning ancestors home. It also creates opportunities to preserve family histories, strengthen connections between generations and ensure these children’s stories are remembered within their communities.
Each family and Tribal Nation determines how to honor and welcome their relatives according to their own wishes and traditions.
Today, we honor the children, their families and everyone who helped make these homecomings possible.
