CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Pictured from left to right: Angela Waseskuk, former UNI faculty member, artist and educator; Johnathan Buffalo, historic preservation director for the Meskwaki Nation; Theresa Westbrock, dean of the Rod Library; Jennifer McNabb, department head of history; UNI President Mark Nook; Nathan Arndt, UNI Museum director; Tieranny Keahna, Meskwaki Tribal historic preservation officer; Daniel Hartwig, associate director of the Rod Library; Oksana Grybovych Hafermann, chief of staff.

CEDAR FALLS — The University of Northern Iowa Museum has returned a collection of cultural artifacts to the Meskwaki Nation, donating them to the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum. The items, originally purchased in the 1980s, mark another important step in the growing partnership between UNI and the Meskwaki and opens the door for future collaboration.

“It is an honor to return these cultural items to the Meskwaki Nation,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “We recognize the deep significance they hold and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Meskwaki history and heritage. This donation reflects our commitment to respect, partnership and the strengthening of the relationship between UNI and the Meskwaki people.”

The returned collection includes several culturally significant items, such as a medicine bag, a hair roach headdress, a trade bead necklace and two burl bowls. To coordinate the return, the UNI Museum worked closely with Meskwaki Tribal Historic Preservation Director Johnathan Buffalo and Historic Preservation Officer Tieranny Keahna, who served as liaisons between the university and the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum.

“This is a historic moment that represents an important step in honoring and strengthening the relationship between UNI and the Meskwaki Nation,” said Buffalo. “We are deeply grateful to the University of Northern Iowa for this meaningful donation. Returning these cultural items to the Meskwaki Nation not only honors our history and traditions but also strengthens the bonds between our communities. This act of respect ensures that these items will be preserved in their rightful home. UNI is leading the way in this important work, and as other institutions reach out to return their collections, we are encouraged by this growing commitment to honoring and respecting Native heritage.”

During their visit, members of the UNI delegation toured the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Meskwaki culture and history. The visit underscored a shared commitment to respect, learning and collaboration between UNI and the Meskwaki Nation. Both institutions expressed enthusiasm for continued partnership in cultural preservation and education, ensuring that Meskwaki history and heritage remain honored and accessible for future generations.