After being absent for a century, a stolen teepee cover is set to be returned to its rightful owners and community in Saskatchewan. Kawacatoose First Nation Chief Cory (Okimow) Dustyhorn collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution to reclaim the cover crafted by his great-great-grandfather over two years.
Chief Dustyhorn, accompanied by some family members and First Nations University of Canada Indigenous studies professor Andrew Miller, is embarking on a 29-hour journey to Washington, D.C. for the retrieval. The process began with a pipe ceremony, seeking guidance for a smooth journey.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Chief Dustyhorn expressed gratitude for those who inspired him to pursue the return of the cover. Phillip Dustyhorn, the oldest family member, is also part of the journey and recalls hearing the teepee’s story throughout his upbringing.
Professor Miller played a pivotal role in facilitating the repatriation process, attending numerous meetings and providing support. The teepee cover, belonging to Sîpiskwêsîkan (Dustyhorn), was stolen in 1926 and is now being returned to his descendants.
A face-to-face meeting at the National Museum of the American Indian will reunite the family with the long-lost teepee cover, unseen since 1926. The extensive process involved significant paperwork and permit applications, with Miller emphasizing the relief of its completion.
Upon the return of the group, the community intends to commemorate the event with a celebratory ceremony. The historical significance of the teepee cover’s return marks a significant milestone for the Kawacatoose First Nation.