VANCOUVER.- At a press conference on June 10 at 2:00 pm, RCMP Supt. McGowan, Operations Officer and Assistant District Commander of the Lower Mainland District and Insp. FitzPatrick, Operations Officer E Division Major Crime Unit, announced that thirteen of the fifteen objects stolen from the UBC Museum of Anthropology on May 24, 2008 have been recovered safely.

The objects, which included twelve original works by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid and three items of Mexican jewellery, were the subject of an intense recovery effort initiated by the RCMP immediately following the break-in. Among the recovered items are Bill Reid’s extraordinary gold box with a sculptured, three-dimensional eagle on top, his gold Frog brooch, and two bracelets. An argillite pipe and an eagle brooch, also by Bill Reid, are still missing.

“We are extremely grateful to the RCMP for their efforts to locate these cultural treasures, and to all those who assisted in their investigation,” said Moya Waters, who represented Museum Director Dr. Anthony Shelton at the press conference. “We were devastated by their loss, and profoundly grateful for their safe return.” Dr. Shelton, who is out of town on business, also conveyed his thanks to the RCMP. “We are very appreciative of the extraordinary efforts of all concerned in the search for and recovery of the majority of these precious objects.”

According to Supt. McGowan and Insp. FitzPatrick, the RCMP have “worked tirelessly and around the clock investigating this crime that has attracted international attention…. While we are satisfied that we have recovered most of the stolen items, the RCMP would like to seek the public’s assistance in recovering the last two items which we have reason to believe are still in the Lower Mainland area….If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of these pieces of the collection, please contact 778.886.2870 or Crime Stoppers.” (1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.bccrimestoppers.com)