Vatican to Return Century-Old Indigenous Artifacts to Canada
In a long-awaited and meaningful gesture of reconciliation, the Vatican announced on Saturday its plan to return dozens of Indigenous cultural objects to Canada that were taken over a century ago. Among the 62 items is a remarkable Inuvialuit kayak historically used for whale hunting, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage embedded in these objects.
From Rome Back to Indigenous Hands: The Journey of the Artifacts
These Indigenous items were originally transported to Rome in 1925 for an exhibition sponsored by Pope Pius XI. Now, nearly 100 years later, the Vatican’s return reflects a broader acknowledgment of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada. The moment is imbued with symbolism — the artifacts stand not only as cultural treasures but as markers of a painful colonial legacy.
Reparations and Reconciliation: Contextualizing the Return
This repatriation follows a wider effort tied to truth and reconciliation in Canada. The Canadian government and various Indigenous groups have long campaigned for the restitution of cultural property stolen or taken without consent. These efforts have grown in urgency especially after a national truth and reconciliation commission described the operation of church-run residential schools in Canada as a form of “cultural genocide.”
The residential schools were responsible for devastating impacts on Indigenous children, including death due to neglect, disease, and abuse, leaving scars that persist to this day. Pope Francis himself has expressed sorrow for the Church's role during his visit to Canada in 2022, where he met with Indigenous communities to offer apologies and support healing initiatives.
Voices from Indigenous Leadership and Academia
Joyce Napier, Canada’s ambassador to the Vatican, highlighted the discussions held between Pope Francis and Indigenous leaders concerning the artifacts’ future during the Pope's 2022 visit, marking a step forward in cultural dialogue.
However, some Indigenous voices, like Cody Groat, a Kanyen’kehaka scholar and assistant professor at Western University specializing in Indigenous Studies, have expressed concerns. Groat criticized the Vatican for not transferring the items directly to Canada’s primary Indigenous custodians, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding control, stewardship, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty over cultural heritage.
Why This Matters: More Than Just Artifacts
The repatriation of these items is more than a symbolic act; it intersects with ongoing debates about justice, cultural survival, and the legacies of colonialism. It challenges institutions worldwide, including religious ones, to reckon with past wrongs and actively participate in healing processes.
In the broader North American context, Indigenous cultural repatriation plays a crucial role in preserving languages, histories, and identities that colonial policies sought to erase. The return of these artifacts can empower Indigenous communities, strengthening cultural revitalization and educational initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Questions and Opportunities
- How will the repatriated artifacts be preserved and showcased within Indigenous communities?
- What frameworks will guide collaboration between government bodies, Indigenous groups, and international religious institutions?
- Can this act inspire further institutional accountability and restitution around the world?
As this process unfolds, it serves as a testament to the power of dialogue, forgiveness, and renewed respect between Indigenous peoples and institutions like the Vatican.
Editor’s Note
While the Vatican’s decision to return Canadian Indigenous artifacts marks a profound step towards reconciliation, it also highlights complex dynamics around cultural sovereignty. The relocation of these items raises important questions about Indigenous control and the mechanisms for restitution. As global attention to Indigenous rights intensifies, this case provides a critical benchmark for how history can be engaged with empathy, respect, and a commitment to justice.
