These 62 Indigenous cultural artifacts are the first to be officially repatriated to Canada by the Vatican. This important statement is an acknowledgement of the past wrongs inflicted upon First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. These artifacts feature a rare, unique Inuit sealskin kayak from the western Arctic. These photographs were made more than a century ago and they have remained tucked away in the vaults and museums of the Vatican ever since. The reintroduction of these goods is a welcome step in the right but small direction. It advances the greater wave of reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples.
The artifacts traveled on to Rome for the 1925 Vatican Mission Exposition. From our perspective, this event was a huge win for illuminating the Church’s global influence. The Vatican asserts that these artifacts were papal gifts to Pope Pius XI during his pontificate. He became pope in 1922 and ruled until his death in 1939. Numerous Indigenous leaders vehemently disputed this claim. They contend that the conditions under which these artifacts were acquired are not representative of authentic gifting.
Historical Context and Controversy
Cody Groat is an Assistant Professor of History and Indigenous Studies at Western University. He quickly stressed their cultural significance, too. He described them as “cultural ancestors with a sentience or life of their own.” This lens brings to light the sacred relationship that Indigenous peoples have with their cultural heritage. Groat pointed out that it is “highly contestable that this was the meaningful ‘gifting’ of items,” underscoring the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how these artifacts were obtained.
After years of activism urging their return, the Vatican has recently announced plans to repatriate these artifacts. This movement crescendoed in 2022 as First Nations, Inuit and Métis delegates traveled to Rome to testify about the trauma inflicted at residential schools. Their conversations with Pope Francis were instrumental in moving the conversation forward on reconciliation.
“The evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous Peoples.” – Pope Francis
Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, an Indigenous leader, characterized the return of the artifacts as “an important and emotional moment for many First Nations across the country.” This acknowledgment has been a long-time coming, and it is the result of lamenting hearts that have created a cultural moment yearning for both healing and understanding.
A Step Towards Reconciliation
In September, the Holy See and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops declared, under pressure, that they would repatriate the artifacts. This decision was first promised by Pope Francis but finally abandoned to his successor, Pope Leo. Groat expressed hope regarding this new papacy, stating, “It’s promising to see (Leo) taking such meaningful action so early in his Papacy, hopefully setting the stage for renewed relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples both in Canada and globally.”
Natan Obed, a prominent Inuit leader, shared his enthusiasm for the return of the artifacts, anticipating a careful unboxing process. He stated, “We are looking forward to being able to unbox the items in the coming days and to have Inuit leadership and Inuit experts understand exactly where these items come from in each of our communities and to share that knowledge not only with Canadian Inuit but with Canada as a whole.”
The repatriation of these artifacts is part of a long-term project aimed at fostering reconciliation between the Church and Indigenous communities. This effort is about more than what we’re bringing home in physical returns. It seeks to renew cultural relationships that colonial policies destroyed.
The Path Forward
Their forthcoming return is a remarkable success story. Most importantly, many of these Indigenous leaders realize that this is only the first step on a long path toward true reconciliation. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak remarked, “We’ve come a long way, and we have a long way to go.” Indigenous peoples today stand at the center of a remarkable discussion with institutions including the Catholic Church. This conversation is critically important for reckoning with past injustices and building a more equitable future.
