King’s University College hosts discussion on Indigenous artifact repatriation

CTV London’s Lauren Stallone with a panel discussion on the repatriation of Indigenous artifacts released from the Vatican.

King’s University College held a public conversation Monday night on the repatriations of indigenous artifacts released from Vatican collections.

“The return was the culmination of years of education and advocacy by Indigenous leaders, and these belongings are now at the Canadian Museum of History and gotten to where Indigenous communities are leading the work of tracing each item back to its people of origin,” said Robert Ventresca, president of Kings University College.

There were 62 items returned to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis leaders back in December.

Experts said this topic is at the forefront of national discussions centred around cultural heritage, reconciliation, and institutional responsibility.

“We’re grateful to be joined by panelists whose scholarships, lived experience, and professional work help us to think more deeply about what repatriation means historically, institutionally, and also for Indigenous communities today,” said Ventresca.

Historians say this dialogue is an important “opportunity” to learn and reflect on the responsibility’s institutions carry in addressing “historical injustices.”

“Finding ways in which these institutions can help to repatriate knowledge,” said Noah MacDonald, an Anishinaabe PhD student. “That’s funding knowledge keepers; that’s funding programs for building relationships with Indigenous communities.”

While considered a major step forward, experts believe more needs to be done to deepen understanding of cultural heritage, faith, and the ongoing work of reconciliation.

“I would say it’s a little bit of a drop in the ocean compared to what needs to be done in regard to repatriating cultural items but it’s definitely a consequential moment,” said Cody Groat, a history professor at Western University.

The artifacts are currently undergoing examination in Gatineau, Quebec before being returned to their originating communities.