Brown University Transfers Land to Pokanoket Tribe

Brown University has transferred 255 acres of land in Bristol, Rhode Island, to a preservation trust established by the Pokanoket Indian Tribe, marking a significant move toward addressing historical land claims. The transfer, finalized on November 15, 2023, fulfills part of a 2017 agreement between the university and the tribe, which stemmed from a month-long encampment by tribe members on the university's property. The land is historically significant as it is the ancestral home of Metacom, or King Philip, and the site of his death during King Philip's War. The agreement ensures that access to the land is extended to other tribes linked to the Pokanoket Nation, including the Mashpee Wampanoag. This action follows Oakland University’s earlier decision to return land to Native Americans, inspiring other institutions to reconsider their historical land holdings. Brown University’s commitment aims to preserve the land’s cultural significance and support the stewardship of Native peoples in the region.