A century after they first appeared in Rome, 62 sacred artifacts are returning home to Indigenous communities across Canada. The Vatican’s decision marks a pivotal moment, a tangible step in a long and painful reckoning with the Church’s role in suppressing Indigenous culture.
Among the returned treasures is an iconic Inuit kayak, a symbol of resilience and a testament to a way of life nearly lost. These weren’t simply objects on display; they were integral parts of spiritual practices and cultural identity, forcibly removed during a dark chapter in Canadian history.
For decades, the Vatican maintained the items were “gifts” presented to Pope Pius XI, intended to showcase the Church’s global reach. But this narrative has been challenged by historians and Indigenous leaders who point to the inherent power imbalances of the time, when Catholic missions actively enforced policies designed to dismantle Indigenous traditions.
The return of these artifacts is inextricably linked to the horrors of Canada’s residential school system. These institutions, often run by Catholic religious orders, were central to a policy of forced assimilation, a deliberate attempt to erase Indigenous languages, beliefs, and ways of life – a policy now recognized as “cultural genocide.”
Confiscation was a key tool of this assimilation. Ceremonial items, like those now being repatriated, were seized during events like the 1885 potlatch ban, a prohibition on a vital First Nations ceremony. These stolen pieces found their way into museums and collections across the globe, silent witnesses to a profound injustice.
The momentum for repatriation accelerated following a historic 2022 meeting between Pope Francis and Indigenous leaders. They traveled to the Vatican seeking an apology for the Church’s role in the residential school system and, during their visit, directly requested the return of these culturally significant objects.
Pope Francis responded with a willingness to return items on a case-by-case basis, stating that making a gesture of restitution was “better to do.” This commitment, coupled with the Church’s formal repudiation of the “Doctrine of Discovery” in 2023 – a set of historical justifications for colonial land seizure – signaled a profound shift in perspective.
The artifacts will first be taken to the Canadian Museum of History, where experts will work alongside Indigenous communities to determine their precise origins and ensure they are returned to their rightful owners. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of Indigenous self-determination in the healing process.
For the Canadian government, this repatriation has been a long-held priority, a crucial step towards reconciliation. It represents more than just the return of objects; it’s a recognition of past wrongs and a commitment to building a more just future.
This act of “ecclesial sharing,” as described by the Vatican and Canadian Church, concludes a journey initiated by Pope Francis. It’s a journey of acknowledging a painful past and embracing a future built on dialogue, respect, and a renewed understanding of shared history.
