Paris – June 11, 2026: On May 18, 2026, the French Senate unanimously approved a bill enabling the repatriation of indigenous remains to French Guiana. These remains, including six human skeletons and eight plaster casts, were displayed over 130 years ago in so-called “human zoos” in Paris and have since been kept at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle. The individuals concerned belonged to the Kali’na and Arawak peoples and were brought to Paris in 1892, where they were exhibited under degrading conditions and died. Their remains were subsequently preserved in the museum’s collections.
The repatriation of these remains is the result of years of efforts by the association Moliko Alet + Po, based in French Guiana. This group advocates for the return of the remains to provide the deceased with a proper burial and resting place in their homeland. The association emphasizes the significance of this step for recognizing and healing historical wounds.
The bill, which now must pass Parliament, constitutes an exception to the principle of inalienability of public collections. This principle had previously made the return of cultural assets to their countries of origin difficult. The Senate’s approval marks a significant step in acknowledging and redressing colonial injustices.
The repatriation of these remains is viewed by many as an act of reconciliation and historical acknowledgment. It offers the descendants of the affected peoples the opportunity to honor and bury their ancestors in their homeland. This step is regarded as an important signal for recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples and healing historical wounds.
The Senate’s decision received support from various political parties, underscoring the cross-party importance of this issue. The Minister of Culture, Catherine Pégard, had earlier announced that the government would support the bill to enable the repatriation of the remains.
The return of these remains is not only seen as a symbolic act of reparation but also as a move towards a more just and respectful relationship between France and its former colonies. It demonstrates an effort to acknowledge the darker chapters of history and to provide affected communities with the possibility of healing.
The implementation of this law is now being prepared by the French government and the relevant authorities. It is hoped that this step will lead to further initiatives aimed at recognizing indigenous peoples’ rights and correcting historical injustices.