Paul - Canadian museums have been addressing the aboriginal repatriation
issue for many years, and there is an abundance of published material on the
issue. I suggest exploring the Canadian Museum of Civilization's
publications website, as well as that of the Glenbow Museum. Dr. Gerry
Conaty of the Glenbow has published several excellent articles on his
dealings with Blackfoot and other Alberta natives. The Glenbow has some very
innovative practices for assisting natives to have ready access and use of
sacred material in the collection. Email me if you have any trouble
accessing the Canadian info, as I have files and files of articles in my office.




At 10:45 AM 20/01/99 CST, you wrote:
>Hello everyone.
>
>my name is paul willis.  While studying a masters in cultural heritage i
>am
>working  at a aboriginal research centre in alice springs, australia.
>The
>theme/subject matter of my final year thesis is to be on the question of
>whether  aboriginal (indigenous) artefacts should or should not be
>returned to
>their rightful owners.  i would like to know the members  ideas,
>feelings, or
>thoughts on this matter.  In addition, any relevant publications,
>journals, or
>papers that discuss this issue.
>
>Although, i am writing primarily on the life of ted strehlow and his
>work with
>the aranda (arrente) people of central australia, i do beleive that
>other
>institutions that house indigenous artefacts or items, would have to
>address
>this issue sooner or later to either hold onto or give back the objects.
>
>Any information, insights, thoughts, or  recommendations would be
>greatly
>appreciated.
>
>Thank you for your time.
>
>King regards
>
>paul willis
>
>research officer
>Strehlow Research Centre
>Email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
Jane Sproull Thomson