Manitoba Museum apologizes to Indigenous communities for holding ancestral remains in collection

The Manitoba Museum has formally apologized to the Indigenous community for keeping ancestral remains in its collection.

The Manitoba Museum is apologizing to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities for holding their ancestral remains within the museum’s collections for decades.

On Thursday, the museum held a closed ceremony, with Indigenous leaders, elders, First Nation chiefs, and representatives from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in attendance.

Following a pipe ceremony, Manitoba Museum CEO Dorota Blumczyńska issued an apology, saying the museum “profoundly” regrets what it has done.

She added they recognize that their actions have contributed to colonization.

“We apologize for our actions, inactions, and failures, past and present. We know that what is required now is that our actions be transparent, honest, and meaningful. This apology is just the beginning of the Homeward Journey of the Ancestors,” Blumczyńska said in a news release.

“We promise that no Ancestors will enter the Museum in the future.”

This apology is part of the Manitoba Museum’s ‘Homeward Journey’ initiative to identify Indigenous ancestors with the goal of bringing them home.

The museum expects Homeward Journey will take several years.

Apology recognized by Indigenous leaders

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) said Thursday that the public apology and work to repatriate ancestral remains is recognized and appreciated.

“We commend the Manitoba Museum for taking responsibility and for committing to the careful and culturally appropriate return of our ancestors,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson in a written statement. “It is not easy to confront difficult truths, and the Museum’s willingness to do so with humility and respect deserves acknowledgment.”

Wilson added this was a meaningful step towards reconciliation.

“Together, we can set a powerful example of what it means to move forward with respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to righting historical wrongs.”