Katisha Paul of the W̱ JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip First Nation) and Lil’wat Nation, left, and Peyal Laceese of the Tsilhqot'in Nation touch a crate containing Indigenous cultural items at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on Saturday after they were returned by the Vatican. Paul and Laceese were on the flight.
After more than a century abroad, 62 Indigenous artifacts have been returned to Canada from the Vatican, marking a historic and emotional moment for reconciliation. The items, which include sacred cultural belongings from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, were originally taken in 1925 to be displayed in a Vatican missionary exhibition.
The artifacts arrived at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on December 6, 2025, where Indigenous leaders and youth gathered to welcome them back. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak described the repatriation as “an important and emotional moment for all First Nations” and emphasized that while this is a significant step, “we’ve come a long way, and we have a long way to go”.
Among the items are rare cultural treasures such as a century-old kayak from the Western Arctic, ceremonial bundles, and other sacred belongings that hold deep meaning for Indigenous communities. The Vatican’s decision fulfills a promise made by the late Pope Francis three years ago, continued under Pope Leo XIV, as part of efforts to advance reconciliation and healing.
The artifacts will now be returned to their communities of origin, where they can be reconnected with the people and traditions they belong to. Indigenous leaders hope this repatriation will inspire further action to recover cultural belongings still held in institutions worldwide.
This homecoming is not just about objects—it is about restoring dignity, cultural continuity, and spiritual connection for Indigenous peoples across Canada.
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