MLA) Got it! Here's a sample reference list that you can use for a project pitch ### Reference List 1. **Cuno, James.** *Museums Matter: In Praise of the Encyclopedic Museum*. University of Chicago Press, 2011. 2. **Ferguson, Tiffany.** "Native American Cultural Heritage and the Ethics of Collection." *Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development*, vol. 3, no. 1, 2013, pp. 45-62. 3. **Harrison, Rodney.** *Heritage and Community Engagement: A Handbook*. Routledge, 2016. 4. **Lonetree, Amy.** *Decolonizing Museums: Representing Native America in National and Tribal Museums*. University of North Carolina Press, 2012. 5. **Smith, Laurajane.** *Contested Heritage: A Cautionary Tale from the Pacific*. International Journal of Heritage Studies, vol. 14, no. 3, 2008, pp. 232-240. 6. **Watson, Sheila.** "Returning Home: The Ethical Imperative of Repatriation." *Museum Anthropology*, vol. 35, no. 2, 2012, pp. 115-129. 7. **Zimmerman, Larry J.** "The Role of Museums in Repatriation: A Policy Perspective." *Museum Management and Curatorship*, vol. 26, no. 1, 2011, pp. 53-67. This is the final version does it look good? ### Project Pitch Report: Reclaiming Our Heritage: The Fight for Native Missing Artifacts #### 1. Problem Statement - **Topic Description**: For centuries, countless artifacts belonging to Indigenous communities have been removed and are currently held in museums and private collections around the world. These items, which include sacred objects, tools, and art, symbolize the rich cultural heritage of Native peoples. Their absence not only undermines the spiritual practices of these communities but also erases significant aspects of their history. - **Importance of the Issue**: The issue of stolen artifacts is critical, as it goes beyond mere objects; it touches upon identity, heritage, and the rights of Indigenous peoples to their cultural legacy. The continued possession of these items by institutions often rooted in colonialism highlights a profound injustice that still affects many Native communities today. Recent studies indicate that over 100,000 artifacts remain unaccounted for or are held without consent, underlining the urgent need for reclamation efforts. - **Research Insights**: Recent movements advocating for repatriation have gained momentum, with various countries enacting laws to return artifacts to their rightful owners. Notable cases, such as the repatriation of the Kennewick Man remains and the ongoing dialogue surrounding items in institutions like the British Museum, illustrate the complexity and necessity of addressing this issue. Additionally, academic research shows a growing recognition of Indigenous sovereignty in cultural heritage discussions, further paving the way for possible resolutions. --- #### 2. Audience Analysis Section - **Composition of the Audience**: Our target audience includes museum professionals, educators, Indigenous rights advocates, students, policymakers, and the general public interested in cultural preservation and social justice. - **Values and Needs**: The audience values historical accuracy, respect for diverse cultures, and the importance of repairing relationships between institutions and Indigenous communities. Many audience members are eager to learn about ways to support reclamation efforts and understand the significance of these artifacts to their cultures. They seek to engage with actionable initiatives that foster collaboration and mutual respect, as well as educational resources that highlight Indigenous perspectives. - **Relevance to Mission and Vision**: This project aligns with missions focused on promoting equity, cultural education, and historical accountability. Organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of the American Indian actively engage in discussions about the repatriation of artifacts, making our project relevant to current cultural dialogues. By emphasizing Indigenous voices and collaborating with local communities, we can further the mission of honoring and uplifting these narratives within the broader discourse of social justice. --- #### 3. Potential Series Content Section - **Event 1: Panel Discussion** - Organize a panel featuring experts in Indigenous rights, museum ethics, and cultural heritage. Topics could include the historical context of artifact removal, current repatriation efforts, and success stories from various communities. Invite speakers from Indigenous nations who have successfully reclaimed artifacts to share their experiences. - **Event 2: Educational Workshop** - Conduct workshops aimed at museum professionals and educators on best practices for engaging with Indigenous communities regarding artifacts and collaborative exhibition practices. This could include training on culturally sensitive communication and methodologies for integrating Indigenous knowledge into museum practices. - **Event 3: Community Forum** - Host a community forum where Indigenous voices can share personal stories and insights about the impact of missing artifacts. This will foster understanding and strengthen community ties. Consider including breakout sessions that allow for deeper discussions among attendees. - **Event 4: Social Media Campaign** - Launch a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of returning Native artifacts, incorporating stories, visuals, and calls to action to engage a broader audience. Utilize platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to reach younger demographics, highlighting real-life impacts of missing artifacts through compelling narratives and interviews. --- #### 4. Expected Outcomes Section - **Increased Awareness**: Participants will gain a better understanding of the significance of repatriation efforts, both historically and contemporarily. This can lead to greater advocacy for policy changes within institutions and support for Indigenous rights. - **Community Engagement**: By fostering dialogue and collaboration between Indigenous communities and museum professionals, we'll create stronger networks and partnerships that promote ongoing efforts for reclamation and cultural education. - **Resource Development**: The workshops and panel discussions will generate educational materials and guidelines for museums on how to ethically and respectfully engage with Indigenous communities, ultimately leading to more informed practices in the field. Would this be my final project pitch report