A professor from Saskatchewan made an intriguing discovery at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., which has led to the repatriation of an important piece of history for the province. Andrew Miller, who teaches Indigenous studies at the First Nations University of Canada, stumbled upon a teepee cover that was taken from the Kawacatoose First Nation approximately a century ago while researching birds using the Smithsonian’s collection.
The teepee cover, labeled “Dustyhorn—File Hills” and acquired in 1926, caught Miller’s attention as he recognized the Dustyhorns from Touchwood, Sask. Upon connecting with Cory Dustyhorn, the current chief of Kawacatoose First Nation, it was revealed that the cover belonged to Sîpiskwêsîkan, Dustyhorn’s great-great-grandfather, who never received payment for it after it was stolen.
Following discussions with the museum, Miller and Dustyhorn successfully facilitated the return of the teepee cover to its rightful community. The Smithsonian, understanding the historical significance and context, expressed willingness to repatriate the artifact, ensuring it would be returned to the appropriate community.
Acknowledging the past unethical acquisition practices, the Smithsonian has since adopted a policy of shared stewardship and ethical returns in 2022 to rectify historical wrongs. This initiative aims to address the changing ethical norms and practices in collecting artifacts, acknowledging that some items in their collection would not have been acquired under present-day standards.
After a century since its theft, the teepee cover is finally making its way back to the Kawacatoose community. Dustyhorn expressed that the return of this artifact will not only honor his ancestors but also strengthen the bond within his family and community. Plans are underway to establish a museum on Kawacatoose to showcase the teepee cover, with its temporary display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina.
