First Nations have been working for decades to secure the return of cultural belongings and ancestors from museums in Canada and abroad. This work is expensive. Research is needed to determine where cultural belongings are being held and to find archival links to museum holdings. Transportation, care, handling and storage all add to the cost.
The B.C. Museums Association, with help from the B.C. government, has taken a step towards addressing these costs with $454,000 in repatriation grants. The money, awarded to 25 recipients – representing close to 50 First Nations' communities – will be used for repatriation and research.
“There are no words to fully express the positive impact this sacred work will have on past, present and future generations," said Samaya Jardey, director of Ta na wa Ns7éyx̱nitm ta Snew̓iyalh Language and Cultural Affairs, a recipient of the repatriation grant.
"Having ancestral remains and cultural belongings returned home will bring a sense of pride and peace to Nation members knowing that our ancestors and family treasures are taken care of in a good way.”
Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, said: "This is reconciliation in action.”
Source: BC Museums Association
