Naadin Eshpendaagwak

Naadin Eshpendaagwak (Get what means a lot to us) is responsible for representing the Tribe when it comes to the return of cultural and funerary items taken from the Tribe. Under federal law museums and government agencies in possession of these items are required to return all inventoried items to the affiliated tribe. Additionally, this office addresses the policy of the Tribe concerning gravesites and their protection by working with all branches of government to protect all past and future discoveries.

The Cultural Repatriation office has the responsibility and obligation to protect and preserve that which was left to us by our ancestors.  This includes protection of past burial sites, present day burial sites, and unknown burial sites. Along with burial sites, this office addresses traditional cultural properties which includes any item and/or area of cultural importance, such as sacred objects, artifacts, traditional gathering areas, and spiritually significant places.   

This office is also responsible for facilitating the repatriation of ancestral remains and/or sacred objects removed from their original burial sites, under the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This federal law applies to any museum or government agency in possession of these items.  They must return them to the affiliated tribe, when due process has been completed.  Another issue this office deals with is the inadvertent discovery of sacred objects and/or items of cultural significance during construction projects of ancestral remains. Educating the public regarding issues surrounding repatriation is also a top priority.

This office provides cultural awareness and outreach to the community by participating in ceremonies and tribal social events.  This department receives requests to offer teachings, conduct traditional funeral services, weddings, sweatlodges, and presentations at tribal conferences.