The Making of Casa Bonita 2.0 and DAM's Latest Indigenous Artifact Issues

The Denver Art Museum is under scrutiny after the Denver Post reported that members from the vast Indigenous community recently claimed the institution "does not seem they are willing to work with tribes,” in regards to returning stolen artifacts. This isn’t the first time the museum has been in hot water for an alleged unwillingness to repatriate artifacts — back in April, Alaskan tribes came to the museum to claim lost relics, but left empty handed. Navajo tribal member and comedian Joshua Emerson is back to chat with host Bree Davies about the complexity behind this repatriation law and what it means when the Native community is treated as a monolith. Plus, Joshua gives some insider insight into “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!”, the new documentary about the making of the Pink Palace 2.0.

Joshua mentioned the DAM’s Native Arts Artist-In-Residence program and the creation of the Indigenous Community Advisory Council. History Colorado, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Parks Service all have additional information on the Native American Graves and Protection and Repatriation Act. 

Bree mentioned the DAM’s instagram post from over the weekend, as well as our conversation with Sam Tabachnik about his investigative reporting on the museum’s connections to the illicit antiquities trade in 2022.

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