After being missing for a century, a stolen teepee cover is set to be returned to its rightful owners and their community in Saskatchewan. Kawacatoose First Nation Chief Cory (Okimow) Dustyhorn collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution to secure the intricately crafted cover made by his great-great-grandfather over a two-year period.
Accompanied by a few family members and First Nations University of Canada Indigenous studies professor Andrew Miller, Dustyhorn is embarking on a 29-hour journey to Washington, D.C., to retrieve the teepee cover. The process began with a pipe ceremony and seeking blessings for a clear path ahead.
Expressing his emotions, Dustyhorn shared that the journey to reclaim the cover was unforeseen but deeply significant. The anticipation of bringing back a piece of heritage that was wrongfully taken resonates strongly with him, especially as he remembers those who supported and encouraged him in this pursuit.
Phillip Dustyhorn, the eldest family member, is also part of the journey. He recalled listening to the teepee’s story passed down through generations and expressed joy at the imminent return of the cover to its rightful place within the family and community.
Andrew Miller played a vital role in facilitating the repatriation process, providing support and guidance throughout numerous meetings. The teepee cover, belonging to Sîpiskwêsîkan, also known as Dustyhorn, was stolen in 1926 and will be reunited with his descendants after nearly a century.
The group is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Smithsonian at the National Museum of the American Indian to receive the teepee cover, unseen by any family member since its disappearance. The lengthy process of repatriation involved extensive documentation, permit applications, and persistent follow-ups with the museum.
Upon completing the retrieval, Miller expressed relief and satisfaction, emphasizing the prolonged effort invested in reclaiming the cultural artifact. The community plans to commemorate the return of the teepee cover with a celebratory event and ceremony upon the group’s homecoming.
The historical significance and emotional value attached to this reunion highlight the importance of restoring cultural heritage to its rightful place and community.
