The Historical Loss of Indigenous Heritage: Reconciliation and Repatriation between Canadian Museums and Indigenous Communities

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the historical framework within Indigenous culture and the loss of intangible and tangible heritage in North America to understand continual efforts by Canadian Museums and Indigenous communities to address these issues. Through centuries of colonization, Indigenous communities have experienced the continual looting of their artifacts and sacred objects that has left deep-rooted devastation across communities. Through European hostilities and war, Indigenous communities were entwined in conflicts that resulted in loss of heritage. Further, the curiosity of European museums and private collectors led to widespread pillaging of Indigenous artifacts which has contributed in the loss of cultural knowledge systems and ways of knowing between generations along with breakdowns in Indigenous identities. In addition, most Indigenous communities have been excluded from financial profits that museums and private collectors have benefited from throughout the centuries. Repatriation processes can aid in directing funds to the appropriate communities. Some Canadian museums have begun to push for new strategic initiatives that has encouraged participation of repatriation and reconciliation processes within their organizations. New policies have assisted in streamlining processes to return artifacts that include human remains and sacred artifacts. However, there are still many existing barriers that present challenges in repatriating artifacts and sacred objects. Through collaboration with Indigenous communities, decolonizing practices plays an important role in museums to assure Indigenous culture is displayed and represented accurately through programming and exhibitions. Though much hard work has been done to ensure reconciliation and repatriation, there remains a great deal of work to be done.