Repatriation

[[It appears that a lot of people have used the Spring 2010 magazine for this assignment-there were only two on the shelf and the other one didn't list specific incidences...so sorry if there are repeats :/]]

2."Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO [August 29, 2008]. In 1983 a donor gave the museum a whale hairpiece made out of mountain goat-horn with abalone insets, which art dealer Michael R. Johnson indicated that he had obtained a decade earlier from Mrs. Dan Katzeek of Klukwanm, Alaska. Johnson opined that this type of whale hairpiece, intended for use with a single braid, would have been worn around the time of Captain James Cook's thrid Pacific voyage [1776-1780]."
[American Indian Art, Vol.35(78):95, Spring 2010]

7. "US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Coulee Dam, WA (September 3, 2008). The notice pertains to 2,266 'unassociated funerary objects' retrieved from various sites within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, which features a reservoir formed as a result of the completion of Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in 1941. Dating to as far back as 2,500 years ago, the materials consist mainly of stone and bone utilitarian artifacts, which the government agreed should be transferred to the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation in Washington."
[American Indian Art, Vol.35(79):95, Spring 2010]

8."Field Museum, Chicago, IL (September 10, 2008). In 1902 the museum purchased a wooden rattle and worked walrus tusk from navy lieutenant George T. Emmons, who served in Alaska and from whom the instituion acquired a considerable amount of Native American material starting in the 1890's. The thirteen-inch-long, red-and-blue rattle represents an oyster catcher; the walrus tusk is composed of four sections, each about eleven inches in length. Collection information states that the tusk sections were 'found in an old cave on a small island in Icy Straits (southeastern Alaska) where a Shaman of the "Hoonah" tribe was laid away,' while the oyster catcher came from a grave house on Frederick Bay, 'near the village of "Gan- der-kan", of the Hoonah tribe.' The museum agreed to give both unassociated funerary objects back to the Hoonah Indian Association of ALaska."
[American Indian Art, Vol.35(79):95, Spring 2010]

museum jobs

1] N/A unfortunately, I do not yet have any experience working or volunteering in a museum. [I can only say that I've gone to a LOT of them]

2][[AAM Job Headquarters]]
Job ID: 6692918
Position Title: Curator
Company Name: Navajo Nation Zoo
Job Function: Directors/Administrators
Entry Level: No
Job Type: Full-Time
Location(s): Window Rock, Arizona, 86515, United States
Posted: April 6, 2010
Job Duration: Indefinite
Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate
Min Experience: 1-2 Years
Required Travel: 0-10%
Salary: $36,753.00 - $36,753.00 (Yearly Salary)

Job Description
The Navajo Nation Zoo is seeking to hire one Curator to direct operations at our unique facility. Please note that although "Curator" is the official title, this position acts as Director of the organization.

The Navajo Nation Zoo is operated by the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is funded by the Navajo tribal government. The 34 year-old facility exhibits a total of 41 species, all of which are native to the Navajo reservation. Outdoor exhibits include bears, cougars, Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, golden eagles, and many more. Our indoor "Discovery Center" features reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, as well as an indoor waterfall/pond, video displays, and a "kids corner." We also have a playground and are currently developing a petting area. We host over 40,000 visitors a year, including 2,000 visitors at our "ZooBoo" event and 6,000 visitors at our "ZooFest" event. The Zoo is certified by the USDA.

The Curator will direct all Zoo operations and oversee the facility and animal collection. S/he will monitor and enhance the cultural, educational, recreational and conservation programs at the facility. S/he will supervise and coordinate six full time staff members, including four zookeepers, one office specialist, and one educator. S/he will oversee the budget and seek external funds through the adopt-an-animal program, grant-writing, corporate sponsorships, etc. S/he will also be responsible for strategic and master planning, compliance with regulations and certification, working with support organizations, education and outreach, event planning, and more.

The Curator also serves as a program manager with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, and reports to the Department Director.

Job Requirements
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field, plus two years experience in animal husbandry, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.You can learn more about the Navajo Nation Zoo at www.navajozoo.org and read news articles about the Zoo at www.mholdgate.com/news.

I chose this paricular job posting because I'm interested in working in a zoo at some point, and this job combines both loves of animals and museum work [curator]
Although I have limited knowledge about the Navajo, I appreciate the fact that according to the mission statement, this is "the only Native American zoological facility in the United States" and also the incorporation of rehbilitation/release of animals as well as use of plants/animals in traditional ceremonies.

*I have great organizaional skills, persuassive and people skills [too much time in customer service], supervision experience, and overall communication and multitasking skills
*BA in Anthropology and and some understanding of the basic info/behaviors of many of the animals featured at the zoo
*I do not have much experience with grant-writing or working with organizations, but possess good writing skills, I am a quick learner, and work well under pressure when its for the right cause, in this case, directing the organization, raising and providing funds for the well-being of the animals.