“We made every attempt to retrieve the items prior to the auction,” said Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland). “We remained diligent and respectful throughout and were able to recover items that were taken from our homeland.”
Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission requested the auction owner to return the masks to Navajo Nation. However, auction owner, Alain Leroy, denied the request and stated that the Navajo Nation would not be provided an exception.
The masks were part of a public auction held in Paris, France and included numerous items from several indigenous peoples such as the Hopi Tribe.
“It was a lengthy process that required careful planning,” added Pro Tem Bates. “The items will be carefully transported back to the Navajo Nation.”
The masks are part of the Nightway Chant ceremony performed in the winter season.
Pro Tem Bates, chair of the sacred sites subcommittee, was not part of the Navajo delegation that made the trip to France, but worked with the subcommittee members to ensure the Navajo delegation was accommodated.
According to the NNHRC, there are international human rights laws that address the protection of indigenous human rights, however not all countries equally respect these human rights, including France.
The Navajo Nation is aware of France’s domestic laws that lack protection for the sale of sacred items.
“It was clear that the French people are becoming more and more aware of Navajo people’s concern over the respect for Navajo human rights and it was evident by the news agencies and organizations that came out to the auction to seek Navajo Nation input,” said Pro Tem Bates.
“The sacred sites subcommittee worked cooperatively and it resulted in a successful and meaningful outcome for our people,” said Pro Tem Bates. “I also thank the people of France and their government officials and U.S. Embassy in France for assisting us with our efforts. This was an inter-government effort.”
The seven masks, purchased for approximately $9,120, will be returned to the Navajo Nation immediately with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department.
“While the Navajo Nation Council is responsible for paying for the return of the masks, credit must be given to the Navajo people as a whole. Many medicine men and women provide offerings on a daily basis for safekeeping and where necessary return of sacred items to Navajo land,” stated Pro Tem Bates.