After 135 years, a sacred wooden pipe belonging to Chief Whitecap has returned to Whitecap Dakota First Nation, thanks to the efforts of Frank Royal. Chief Whitecap had given the pipe to a Saskatoon doctor, Gerald Willoughby, who testified on his behalf during the Riel Rebellion trial. In 1889, on his deathbed, Chief Whitecap asked Willoughby to return the pipe to him as a gesture of gratitude.
The pipe, still in possession of the Willoughby family, was repatriated back to the First Nation after a news story about Indigenous items’ repatriation caught their attention. Frank Royal, a Whitecap Dakota First Nation councillor, facilitated the repatriation ceremony in Ottawa and brought the pipe back to be preserved for community members to view.
Repatriation of Indigenous items has become a growing trend across Canada, with various communities reclaiming items taken or given away in the past. Recently, the Vatican Museums returned dozens of Indigenous cultural items to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for eventual return to different communities. While it is uncertain if any items in the Vatican museum originate from Whitecap Dakota First Nation or other Saskatchewan Indigenous communities, the repatriation process remains significant.
Roberta Bear, the principal of Charles Red Hawk Elementary School, emphasized the importance of repatriating items in preserving traditions and connecting youth to their cultural heritage. Whitecap Dakota First Nation has successfully repatriated several ceremonial pipes and a collection of turn-of-the-century artifacts, including regalia and beadwork, from a Saskatoon family. The items, now in near-pristine condition, provide valuable insights into Indigenous history.
Stephanie Danyluk from the Canadian Museums Association highlighted the unique nature of the Charmbury collection’s return, emphasizing the importance of respecting Indigenous rights in preserving cultural heritage. The repatriation process not only acknowledges historical injustices but also serves as a means to empower Indigenous communities in reclaiming their cultural identity.
Looking ahead, Frank Royal suggested that Indigenous communities seeking repatriation support can collaborate with local museums, like Whitecap Dakota First Nation did with the Western Development Museum, to ensure proper processing and storage of artifacts. Following established protocols for ceremonies and securing suitable storage facilities are essential steps in the repatriation process.
