After a century of being displayed in the British Museum, a ceremonial headdress will finally be returned to its rightful owners, the Siksika Nation.
The headdress, known as the “Otaki,” was taken from the Siksika Nation in 1914 by a British soldier and later donated to the British Museum. It has been a source of cultural significance and pride for the Siksika people, and its return marks a significant moment in their history.
The headdress is made of eagle feathers and is adorned with intricate beadwork and horsehair. It is a symbol of leadership and is traditionally worn by chiefs during important ceremonies and gatherings.
The Siksika Nation has been working tirelessly for years to have the headdress returned to their community. Chief Ouray Crowfoot, great-grandson of the original owner of the headdress, expressed his gratitude and joy at the news of its return.
“This headdress is a part of our history and our identity as a people. Its return means so much to us and we are grateful to the British Museum for recognizing its significance and returning it to its rightful home,” said Chief Crowfoot.
The British Museum has been actively working to repatriate cultural artifacts to their countries of origin in recent years. The return of the Otaki headdress to the Siksika Nation is a testament to their commitment to righting historical wrongs and acknowledging the importance of cultural heritage.
The headdress will be officially returned to the Siksika Nation in a ceremony at the British Museum, where it will be blessed and welcomed back into the community. It will then be displayed at the Siksika Nation Cultural Centre, where it will be accessible for all to see and appreciate.
The return of the Otaki headdress is not only a significant moment for the Siksika Nation, but also for the reconciliation efforts between Indigenous communities and museums around the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting cultural artifacts and the stories they hold.
The Siksika Nation looks forward to welcoming the headdress back into their community and continuing to share its cultural significance with future generations.
