Henry ‘Opukaha’ia (ca. 1792–1818), Native Hawaiian, and Itankusun Wanbli (ca. 1879–1900), Oglala Lakota, lived almost a century apart. Yet the cultural circumstances that led them to leave their homelands and eventually die in Connecticut have striking similarities. 

Nicholas Bellantoni, PhD, Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist, and Military Veteran at UConn oversaw the archaeological disinterment, forensic identifications, and return of their skeletal remains back to their Native communities and families after descendant women had callings that their ancestors “wanted to come home”.  Nicholas will delve into the far-reaching consequences of American imperialism and colonialism and how these two young men died while on their “journeys” to find fulfillment – and were both buried in Connecticut cemeteries. 

Copies of “The Long Journeys Home” will be available for purchase.

Registration is required.