Contact Information
Native Arts Department
nativeart@denverartmuseum.org
720-913-0162
100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80203
Dakota Hoska
Associate Curator of Native Arts
dhoska@denverartmuseum.org
720-913-0161
Consultations
Consultation is central to the repatriation process, and it affords both parties the opportunity to build mutual respect and understanding. The museum staff understands and appreciates the willingness of Indigenous community members to meet with us and share their perspectives, knowledge, and guidance, and we will be glad to accommodate the form of communication that best helps you achieve your objectives, whether it is via mailed correspondence, email, phone calls, video meetings, or in-person.
While a consultation can be an opportunity to request repatriation, it is also an opportunity to discuss overall care and stewardship of the collections and our research protocols. The DAM is open to and welcomes all aspects of consultation.
The museum is happy to host delegations for in-person visits and we understand that such visits may entail ceremony or offerings before or after the objects are viewed. We can accommodate all such requests, however we recommend at least a 2 week notice for in-person visits, to ensure that staff can better meet your expectations.
The museum strives to improve access for Native American communities, whether because of NAGPRA or for other reasons, such as collections research. If you are a member of an Indigenous or descendant community seeking access to collections for a reason unrelated to NAGPRA you can still reach out to us for access. Please contact us at nativeart@denverartmuseum.org.
Planning a Visit or Consultation
Initial inquiries can be sent to nativeart@denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0162. A designated staff member from the Native Arts department will respond to your request and work with you to plan your visit and serve as your primary point of contact.
One of the first steps we usually take is to send a list of all objects in our collection from your tribe. Unidentified items from the same geographical location will also be included. This initial list includes all the provenance information we have available in our database.
After you receive the list, you may decide you want to proceed with an in-person consultation or begin with an introductory phone call. However you want to proceed, we will work with you to facilitate next steps.
Note: Two weeks' notice is recommended for in-person consultations to best accommodate your visit.
Filing a Request for Repatriations
After your consultation, you may want to request that an item or items are repatriated to your community. This process can feel overwhelming or confusing, but DAM staff will support your efforts throughout the process. Additionally, the NAGPRA website offers step by step guidelines for you and the museum to follow.
We look forward to working with you and will do our best to make this process as seamless, accommodating, and approachable as possible.
