Two reports from British Columbia, developed by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and K’yuu Enterprise Corporation, detail the complex, expensive, and under-resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items and human remains. They propose changes including a centralized body, an accreditation program for institutions, and substantial funding from provincial and federal governments, highlighting the significant costs and benefits of this work.
B.C. reports offer ‘road map’ for repatriation of Indigenous historical items
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Two reports from British Columbia, developed by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and K’yuu Enterprise Corporation, detail the complex, expensive, and under-resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items and human remains. They propose changes including a centralized body, an accreditation program for institutions, and substantial funding from provincial and federal governments, highlighting the significant costs and benefits of this work.
Trending- 1 1911: Chief's seat taken to Royal BC Museum.
- 2 1913: Totem pole taken, became part of Royal B.C. Museum collection.
- 3 2016: B.C. became the first province in Canada to offer a grant to help pay for repatriation.
- 4 2019: Nuxalk Nation began trying to get totem pole and other artifacts back.
- 5 2023: Totem pole returned to Bella Coola from Royal B.C. Museum.
- 6 2023: Memorial totem pole belonging to Nisga’a Nation returned from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
- 7 Last year (2024): Heiltsuk Nation celebrated the return of a chief’s seat from the Royal BC Museum.
- 8 Recently: Two reports published detailing the repatriation process and challenges.
- Potential for a more streamlined and funded repatriation process for Indigenous communities.
- Health and healing benefits for Indigenous communities through reconnection with ancestors and belongings.
- Creation of jobs and community development.
- Increased recognition by institutions of the moral and ethical imperative for repatriation.
What: Two reports have been released detailing the complex, expensive, and under-resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items and human remains.
When: Recently published; the process has historical context dating back to 1911 and 1913, with specific returns in 2023 and 'last year' (2024).
Where: British Columbia, Canada; items are held in 229 institutions around the world, including the Royal B.C. Museum and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Why: To address the moral and ethical imperative of returning Indigenous ancestors and belongings that were stolen or taken under duress, and to provide a 'road map' for this underfunded and complex work.
How: The reports, developed in partnership, call for the creation of a centralized body, a repatriation accreditation program for museums, and substantial funding and support from provincial and federal governments. They also provide a cost estimate for funding all B.C. First Nations' repatriation efforts.