VATICAN CITY (AP) — On Saturday, the Vatican took a significant step by returning 62 artifacts to Indigenous peoples from Canada. This move marks a crucial part of the Catholic Church’s effort to address its historical role in suppressing Indigenous cultures in the Americas.
Among the items returned was a revered Inuit kayak. Pope Leo XIV handed over these artifacts to a group from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops plan to distribute the items back to their respective Indigenous communities. The Vatican and the Canadian church called this gesture a “gift” and a sign of respect and dialogue.
These artifacts were part of the Vatican Museum’s ethnographic collection, known as the Anima Mundi museum. The collection has faced scrutiny over the years due to ongoing debates about the restitution of cultural items acquired during colonial eras.
Most of these items came to the Vatican through Catholic missionaries, intended for a 1925 exhibition. While the Vatican claims they were “gifts” to Pope Pius XI, many historians and Indigenous advocates raise concerns about the circumstances of their acquisition. At that time, Catholic missions were often aligned with the Canadian government’s assimilation policies aimed at erasing Indigenous traditions—a situation that Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has labeled as “cultural genocide.”
The return of these artifacts gained momentum after Pope Francis met with Indigenous leaders in 2022. They sought an apology for the church’s involvement in Canada’s residential school system and asked for the return of the artifacts. Pope Francis expressed his support for returning items on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation.
This historic return coincided with the 100-year anniversary of the original exhibition in Rome. The Vatican stated that this act aims to honor the history of interaction between faith and Indigenous cultures. The Canadian bishops committed to ensuring these artifacts are preserved with respect, ultimately for the Indigenous communities to safeguard.
The artifacts will first be housed at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, where experts and Indigenous groups will work together to determine their origins and appropriate next steps.
Joyce Napier, Canada’s ambassador to the Holy See, praised this return as a significant achievement for Indigenous communities, reflecting years of dialogue and advocacy. In 2023, the Vatican also formally rejected the “Doctrine of Discovery,” acknowledging its role in historical injustices. Although this move fell short of rescinding the papal bulls, it marked a notable shift in the Vatican’s approach to its colonial legacy.
This ongoing journey highlights the importance of recognizing history and making amends. The return of these artifacts is just one step in a broader effort towards healing and reconciliation.
For further insights on the Vatican’s stance, you can refer to this piece from the BBC covering similar developments.
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Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV, Indigenous people, Canada, General news, Joyce Napier, World news, Religion, World News
