A professor from Saskatchewan made a significant discovery in the Smithsonian collection in Washington, D.C., leading to the repatriation of a stolen teepee cover to its rightful home. Andrew Miller, an Indigenous studies professor at the First Nations University of Canada, came across the teepee cover that was taken from the Kawacatoose First Nation in the 1920s.
The cover, labeled “Dustyhorn—File Hills” with an acquisition date of 1926, caught Miller’s attention as he was researching birds using the Smithsonian’s catalogue. After recalling a student’s mention of belongings in U.S. museums, Miller connected with Cory Dustyhorn, the current chief of Kawacatoose First Nation, to share his findings.
Dustyhorn confirmed the story of his great-great-grandfather Sîpiskwêsîkan’s stolen teepee cover, which was promised payment but never received. Working together, Miller and Dustyhorn contacted the museum, where the Smithsonian showed understanding and openness to repatriate the teepee cover back to its community.
The museum’s acknowledgment of unethical acquisitions in the past led to the adoption of a shared stewardship and ethical returns policy in 2022. This policy aims to address historical injustices and ensure that items are returned to rightful owners. Now, after a century, the teepee cover is set to be returned to Kawacatoose, strengthening the ties between past and present generations in the community.
Plans are underway to establish a museum in Kawacatoose to exhibit the teepee cover, with its temporary display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina. This repatriation marks a significant step towards honoring Indigenous heritage and correcting historical wrongs.
