Join us for a thought-provoking and timely panel discussion in partnership with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, featuring esteemed representatives from the Stanley Museum of Art, the Pentacrest Museums, and the Office of the State Archaeologist.

Together, they will explore the University of Iowa’s leadership and evolving practices in the restitution and repatriation of African and Indigenous American cultural objects. This conversation sheds light on the critical role of institutions in addressing historical injustices and fostering meaningful dialogue about cultural heritage and accountability. As the opening event of a three-day Mellon-funded symposium, this session invites you to engage with experts at the forefront of this transformative work, setting the stage for deeper reflection and action.

Panelists:

• Peju Layiwola | Mellon Curatorial Fellow on Provenance Research, Stanley Museum of Art

• Cindy Opitz | Director of Research Collections, University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

• Lara Noldner | Bioarchaeology Director, Office of the State Archaeologist

• Jonathan Buffalo | Director, Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum

Moderators:

• Ciraj Rassool | Senior Professor of Historical Studies, University of the Western Cape in South Africa

• Cory Gundlach | Curator of African Art, Stanley Museum of Art