Swiss collector works with First Nations on artifact repatriation

A Swiss collector who amassed thousands of Indigenous ceremonial and historical items is collaborating with a First Nations group to return the artifacts to Canada, but millions of dollars stand in the way.

Vincent Escriba, whose collection is estimated to be worth between $13 and $17 million, wants the items sold together, ideally to a Manitoba-based organization. He hopes the collection can either establish a museum in Winnipeg or be returned directly to the nations from which they were taken.

Most of the artifacts originate from the Dakota, Lakota, Ojibway, and Cree nations of Canada and the U.S. plains, with some also from the Haida of British Columbia. The Bringing Them Home Project, a Manitoba-based initiative, learned of Escriba's museum and began repatriation discussions last year. The museum closed at the end of 2025.

Coleen Rajotte, a Cree advocate involved with the delegation that visited Escriba, stated their intention to hire an appraiser to value the collection. The total cost, including purchase and shipping, could reach $20 million. First Nations and tribal governments in the U.S. are being asked to contribute. If the funds cannot be raised, Escriba, 67, may be forced to seek other buyers to finance his retirement.

This effort comes amid increasing global pressure on governments, museums, and private collectors to repatriate Indigenous items acquired during colonization. Last December, the Vatican returned over 60 items to Canada. National Indigenous organizations are working with the Canadian Museum of History to identify the origin of each item, allowing communities to decide on their return or display.

“

My heart, time and financial resources have all gone into the museum, which is why I need to sell it.