‘Our Ancestors Live through Us’: Naga Elders Meet Lord Boateng at House of Lords over Repatriation Efforts

Ukhrul, June 13: Naga elders and tribal leaders from various Naga tribal Hohos in Northeast India were invited to the House of Lords in London, where they met with the Rt Hon Lord Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, a Member of the UK House of Lords. During the meeting, Lord Boateng expressed his solidarity and support for Indigenous communities, including the Nagas, in their ongoing efforts to repatriate the physical remains of their ancestors.

The visit comes in the wake of international outrage in October 2024 following a proposed sale of human remains by an Oxfordshire auction house. The remains, originating from the global South, included ancestral Naga human remains held in the UK. Lord Boateng, alongside Baroness Black of Strome, had been instrumental in initiating a parliamentary debate in the House of Lords to prevent the sale and public display of human body parts. Their intervention, supported by many Indigenous voices, led to the cancellation of the sale.

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The Naga delegation is currently in the UK to collaborate with the Pitt Rivers Museum on the repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains in its collections. During their meeting, the Naga team extended their gratitude to Lord Boateng for his continued commitment to advocating legislative changes to stop the dehumanising sale of human remains.

Reflecting on his Ghanaian heritage during his interaction with the delegation, Lord Boateng drew parallels between the colonial histories of India and Ghana. He noted that both countries experienced oppression under British colonial rule and fought for their independence. While Parliament was the site where Indigenous lands were taken, it was also the site where acts of independence were signed. He emphasised that though most former colonies have achieved freedom, they are still waiting for justice.

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Lord Boateng also presented the Naga delegation with the official report on the Parliamentary debates held in the House of Lords regarding the sale and display of human remains. The debates explored legal avenues to criminalise such practices. “No human remains should be treated as possessions, curiosity, or for profit. It is morally wrong and offensive,” said Lord Boateng. “I salute your struggles to give voice to all Indigenous Peoples because this process represents the Indigenous peoples of the world. We are one people and all of us are deserving of respect.”On behalf of the Naga leaders and elders, Mr. Thejao Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organisation, thanked Lord Boateng for the invitation.

He stated that the Naga delegation had come to the United Kingdom to redress the legacy of colonialism, through which the remains of their ancestors were taken. Each tribal leader expressed appreciation for Lord Boateng’s welcome and emphasised the urgency of returning their ancestral remains to the Naga homeland.

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Mr. Ngongba Tange Thamlong Phom, Vice President of the Phom Peoples’ Organization, said, “There are many ancestors belonging to our people, and the spirits will not find rest and peace until we bring them home.”Mr. Rev. Aching Peihwang Wangsa, Konyak Union Representative, highlighted the importance of visiting the UK and witnessing the remains of their ancestors taken decades ago.

Dr. Ngullie, an elder from the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), stated, “We have been called to this place by our ancestors who were cared for by the Pitt Rivers Museum.” He underscored the significance of spiritual connection among peoples, rooted in the Indigenous beliefs of the Nagas. “We are here,” he said, “to reconcile and bring healing not only to the Naga lands, but to humanity.”