After being missing for a century, a stolen teepee cover is set to be returned to the rightful owners and their community in Saskatchewan. Kawacatoose First Nation Chief Cory (Okimow) Dustyhorn collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution to reclaim the intricately crafted cover made by his great-great-grandfather over two years.
Accompanied by a few family members and Indigenous studies professor Andrew Miller from the First Nations University of Canada, Dustyhorn is embarking on a 29-hour journey to Washington, D.C. to retrieve the cover. The process began with a traditional pipe ceremony to seek guidance for their trip.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Dustyhorn expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement received from those who have passed, motivating him to pursue the retrieval of the treasured item. The oldest family member, Phillip Dustyhorn, is also part of the expedition and eagerly anticipates the return of the long-lost teepee cover, which holds sentimental value passed down through generations.
Miller played a vital role in facilitating the repatriation process, attending numerous meetings and offering unwavering support to the family. The group is scheduled to meet with Smithsonian representatives at the National Museum of the American Indian to reclaim the teepee cover, unseen by any family member since its disappearance in 1926.
The intricate process of repatriation involved extensive report writing and permit applications, with Miller emphasizing the relief of nearing the conclusion of this lengthy endeavor. The community plans to commemorate the return of the teepee cover with a celebratory event and ceremony upon the group’s homecoming.
The journey has been a laborious yet rewarding experience for all involved, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of a cherished piece of cultural heritage.