Press Release…99-155.

CNMI to be included in lawsuits over ancestral remains.

The Hawaii-based non-profit organization, Bring Our Ancestors Home Foundation announced today that the CNMI government of Governor Pedro Tenorio will be included as a defendant in their civil complaints to repatriate the Ancient Chamori remains stored at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.

According to foundation president, Norbert Perez, "We will be including the CNMI government of Governor Pedro Tenorio as a defendant in our civil complaints to have the bones of our ancestors repatriated back to the islands from the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. The only reason for this is because the CNMI leadership have not been forthcoming and responsive to our messages, letters and faxes."

"Our Chamori brothers and sisters in Rota, Tinian and Saipan must realize that 60-percent of the remains in the Hornbostel Collection belong to the CNMI." Perez said. "They have to realize too that the Guam government has already indicated that it will only repatriate and accept the remains taken from Guam. This means that 60-percent or approximately 64-boxes of the 96-boxes total will not be claimed."

"The foundation will file claims to these bones and we will have them repatriated. As to where the remains will be buried...we will make that decision when we cross the bridge." Perez declared. "For the meantime, we are only concentrating on the repatriation and transportation issues."

Prepared by Lynn Cruz
Communications Secretary

Bring Our Ancestors Home Foundation
3075 Ala Poha Place #602
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
Guam Address...
Kåhon 326129
Hagåtña, Guahan 96932
Tel/Fax: (671)734-6356

*If you would like to join our Foundation, please visit our site and fill out an application form. There is no Membership due or Membership fee.