Siksika regains cultural items from collector’s estate

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation is regaining culturally significant items from the estate of a Prussian-born collector who was enamoured with Indigenous culture. 

The items are being acquired from the estate of Frank Hoeldtke (Aug. 5, 1937 – May 5, 2019), who was also known as Frank Holt. The collection includes a range of western and Indigenous items, including “culturally significant and sacred items related to the Siksika Nation,” according to a news release by the Office of Chief and Council, Government of Siksika Nation.

Included in the collection are pipes, moccasins and jewelry, many of which feature ornate beadwork.

Holt “developed a true love for the west and Indigenous culture and formed many friendships with Indigenous people, including members within the Blackfoot Nation,” and produced and directed an award-winning documentary, Through the Blackfoot Eyes, according to the release.

Frank Hall Appraisals and Estate Sales is handling the transaction which is ongoing. “We have already arranged delivery and donation of some wonderful items and we are currently going through the process of getting permission to donate several more pieces which have been identified by Chief Ouray Crowfoot and Kent Youngman as being of cultural importance, but one of the executors and the estate beneficiary have to sign off. This is being arranged and should be completed shortly,” said Hall, in an email.

“The Siksika Nation Chief and Council would like to acknowledge Frank Hall Appraisals and Estate Sales for their assistance in reintroducing these items into the preservation of our Blackfoot way of life,” the release stated.

Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot said Siksika Nation purchased a hand-stitched teepee, dated circa 1910, that was part of the collection. 

“It wasn’t for free but I would rather risk paying a little bit right now and getting that history back, than it going up for auction, and we never know where it’s at,” he said, in an interview with the CBC.

Some of the items will be added to the collection at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, while others will be reintroduced to the “ceremonial life ways” of the Siksika, according to the release.