Vatican Set to Return Sacred Indigenous Artifacts to Canada

URGENT UPDATE: Indigenous communities in Canada are on the brink of receiving the return of sacred artifacts held in the Vatican for 100 years. The Vatican is expected to announce the transfer of these culturally significant items in the coming weeks, with plans for them to be back in Canada by the end of 2023.

Since 1925, thousands of Indigenous cultural artifacts have been housed in the Vatican’s museum, and their return represents a crucial step in the reconciliation process. These items are not mere artifacts; they are regarded as “living, sacred pieces of our cultures and ceremonies,” according to Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

The transfer process will not be straightforward. Artifacts will first move from the Vatican to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), with the Canadian Museum of History acting as an intermediary. This method has been intentionally chosen, as the Vatican aims to avoid setting a precedent for institutional repatriation.

“When we repatriate these cultural items, we have to recognize that there’s ceremony associated with that,” said Cody Groat, an assistant professor at Western University. “These are ancestors that need to be welcomed back with ceremony and cultural protocol.”

Groat emphasizes that the items are not mere objects to be transferred; they are considered ancestors in their own right. He noted that the artifacts relate to a 1925 exhibit for which a catalog was published, providing a starting point for identifying the items to be returned. However, the complexities of rightful ownership remain a challenge, as respect for the items’ origins was often overlooked when they were taken.

While the return process may be lengthy, Groat believes it’s a necessary and overdue effort. “It is essential that Indigenous nations are involved in discussions throughout this process,” he stated. “Identifying which descendant community these cultural items belong to will require careful consultation.”

As the Vatican prepares to make this significant announcement, the emotional and cultural impact on Indigenous communities across Canada cannot be overstated. The return of these sacred artifacts is not just a matter of logistics; it symbolizes a healing journey for communities that have long awaited recognition and respect for their heritage.

This development is poised to ignite discussions around cultural preservation and the importance of acknowledging the histories tied to these artifacts. The process ahead will involve collaboration among Indigenous leaders, the CCCB, and the Canadian Museum of History to ensure that the return is conducted with the dignity and respect these items deserve.

Stay tuned for the official announcement from the Vatican, as this historic return marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about reconciliation and cultural heritage in Canada.