Haaland Celebrates Return of Acoma Shield

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) released the following statement after it was announced that the Acoma Shield will be returned to Acoma Pueblo:

"No one's cultural, sacred items should be stolen and trafficked for profit, but for too long Native American artifacts have been -- and continue to be -- stolen from our communities and sold off to the highest bidder. I'm pleased the Acoma Shield has been returned so that Acoma Pueblo regains the authority to determine the future of this sacred artifact.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Senators Udall and Heinrich for taking the lead on this in Congress so that we can raise the issue of sacred tribal patrimony being stolen and sold. It is my hope this incident is a teaching opportunity for those who do not know this has been a long-time problem in Indian Country."

Background:

During the 1970's, the sacred Acoma Shield was stolen from its ceremonial place in the Acoma Sky City. In 2016, the shield resurfaced in a Paris auction. Since then, the Pueblo of Acoma has worked with Congress, U.S. diplomats, and law enforcement agencies to have the shield returned.

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