The Haida Nation of British Columbia is asking two museums to return a pair of rare war canoes that were taken in the late 1800s.

One canoe is at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. It was just restored and unveiled last week. The other canoe is on display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Quebec.

The Haidas want the canoes for their own cultural center. But neither museum is willing to give up the items.

The federal National Graves Protection and Repatriation Act doesn't apply to tribes outside the U.S. Some Canadian tribes have reclaimed their property by going through their American relatives.

Get the Story:
Haida demand return of rare canoes (The Ottawa Citizen 11/22)

Relevant Links:
Association of Art Museum Directors - http://www.aamd.org
National NAGPRA - http://www.cr.nps.gov/nagpra

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