Vatican Returns 62 Indigenous Artifacts to Canada in Landmark Gesture

The Vatican has returned 62 Indigenous artifacts to Canada. This significant act occurred on Saturday. The items were part of the Vatican Museums’ ethnographic collection for a century.

This return is a concrete step in the Catholic Church’s reconciliation efforts. According to the Associated Press, the move addresses the Church’s role in suppressing Indigenous cultures. The artifacts are now en route to their originating communities.

Century-Old Collection Finds Its Way Home

The collection includes an iconic Inuit kayak and wampum belts. These items were sent to Rome by Catholic missionaries for a 1925 exhibition. The Vatican has long described them as gifts to Pope Pius XI.

Historians and Indigenous groups have questioned this narrative. They argue the power imbalance at missions makes a free gift unlikely. This period coincided with Canada’s forced assimilation policies.

A Broader Reckoning With Colonial History

This return is part of a wider historical review. In 2023, the Vatican formally repudiated the “Doctrine of Discovery.” This 15th-century doctrine was used to legitimize colonial seizure of Native lands.

The artifact return concludes a dialogue journey started by Pope Francis. It follows his 2022 apology for the Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system. The Canadian government has welcomed the gesture as an important step for reconciliation.

This landmark Vatican artifact return marks a pivotal moment in cultural healing. It represents a tangible commitment to righting historical wrongs. The journey home for these items closes a painful chapter and opens a new one built on respect.

Thought you’d like to know

What specific items were returned?

The returned artifacts include an iconic Inuit kayak, wampum belts, war clubs, and masks. These items hold significant cultural and spiritual value. They were part of the Vatican’s Anima Mundi museum collection.

Where will the artifacts go now?

The items will first go to the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. The museum will then facilitate their return to the specific Indigenous communities they came from. This process ensures they are reunited with their rightful people.

Why is this return significant?

It represents a major act of reconciliation for the Catholic Church. The return acknowledges a history where Indigenous cultural items were often taken, not freely given. It supports ongoing efforts toward truth and justice in Canada.

How were the artifacts originally obtained?

They were sent to Rome by missionaries for a 1925 Vatican exhibition. The Church maintains they were gifts, but experts dispute this due to the colonial power dynamics at play. This was during a time of forced assimilation policies.

Are there more artifacts to be returned?

Yes, thousands of Indigenous items are believed to remain in the Vatican Museums. This return sets a precedent, and experts hope it will lead to further repatriations. Each case is expected to be evaluated individually.