Advocates call for Indigenous artifacts to be returned to Canada from Switzerland

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

First Nations leaders are campaigning to repatriate a collection of around 10,000 Indigenous artifacts held in a now-closed Swiss private museum, fearing the items could be sold off internationally if funds are not raised soon. The group is seeking about $20 million to purchase and authenticate the items, emphasizing that returning these culturally significant objects would strengthen Indigenous identity and heritage across communities in Canada and the U.S.

A collection of thousands of Indigenous artifacts, including sacred pipes, beaded regalia, and firearms linked to the era of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, is the focus of a repatriation effort by First Nations leaders and advocates seeking their return from Switzerland. These items have been housed in a private museum near Zurich, which closed late last year after its owner, a private collector, decided to retire.

A delegation of Indigenous representatives traveled to Switzerland prior to the museum’s closure to document the collection and is now appealing to federal, First Nations, and tribal governments in Canada and the United States to assist in repatriating the artifacts. Karl Stone, a councillor from the Dakota Tipi First Nation in Manitoba and a member of the delegation, emphasized the cultural importance of returning the items, stating that reconnecting these sacred bundles with their communities would strengthen Indigenous identity and heritage, particularly among younger generations.

According to the group, the collection comprises approximately 10,000 objects, about 70 percent of which are Indigenous artifacts. Documentation maintained by the collector suggests many originate from First Nations communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario, as well as from Lakota nations in the United States. The group has indicated that the provenance and acquisition details of the items are unclear, as is the total cost involved.

The effort to repatriate these artifacts aligns with a broader trend in recent years, where cultural institutions and religious organizations have been returning sacred objects to Indigenous peoples. Earlier this year, the Vatican repatriated several artifacts following a delegation’s visit highlighting the importance of these returns. Similarly, national museums and universities across Canada have engaged in repatriation initiatives with Indigenous communities.

Advocates expressed concern over the potential for the artifacts to be sold on the private market if funds are not raised promptly. Coleen Rajotte, a Cree activist involved in the campaign, warned that the items could be auctioned off internationally, possibly ending up in private collections far from their communities of origin.

The group estimates that approximately $20 million is needed to cover the purchase price of the artifacts and the costs associated with authentication by experts. Among the items identified are a bandolier decorated with intricate beading characteristic of Ojibwa and Cree artistry, large feathered headdresses, and leather moccasins attributed to Sioux tribes.

Gerald Neufeld, a retired engineer who grew up on a Manitoba First Nation and has assisted in genealogical research efforts, has been involved in advocacy for the return of the collection. He remains in contact with the collector, who reportedly appears sympathetic to the repatriation request and hopes to resolve the matter within months. However, if an agreement is not reached quickly, the collector has indicated that the artifacts will be placed on the market.

Attempts to obtain comment from the private collector, as well as responses from the governments of Manitoba, Canada, and the Assembly of First Nations, were not successful at the time of reporting.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.