Minnesota Museum to Return Sacred Pipes to Chippewa Tribe This Winter
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The St. Louis County Historical Society in Duluth, MN, plans to return five important Native American cultural items, including pipe bowls and stems, to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Grand Portage Band). This repatriation can start on or after December 18, 2025. If you’re a descendant or affiliated, you can request these items by contacting the Society—no money changes hands, just respect and history coming home!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Five Native Items Returned to Tribe
The St. Louis County Historical Society intends to return five Native American cultural items — three pipe bowls and two pipe stems — to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Grand Portage Band). One pipe stem (catalog number 39.3.10.2) is associated with Chief Joeseph Louis Memashkawash. The repatriation may occur on or after December 18, 2025.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for these items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Send requests to Terry Johnson, St. Louis County Historical Society, 506 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN 55802 or by email to [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the SLCHS must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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