Collections Care Informed by Native American Perspectives: Teaching the Next Generation

Through repatriation consultations, collaborative exhibitions, and research projects with Native peoples, anthropology curators and collections managers are learning different interpretations of best practice in the care of Native American collections. In this case study of the Museum and Field Studies (MFS) program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, we review the practice and potential of bringing those perspectives to bear on the next generation of anthropology collections managers. Through examples of traditional care, exhibits, course work, and student projects, we show how Native peoples are influencing how we think about and care for museum collections. We illustrate future collections managers’ increasing sense of purpose and excitement toward working with Native peoples and reimagining the museum to be a resource for increasing Native community well-being and a welcoming place for alternative ways of seeing and relating to the collections in their care.