In the vaults of the Vatican Museums, a century-old kayak, with its driftwood structure intact but sealskin cover worn, has remained hidden for many years. This kayak represents the hunting traditions of Inuvialuit communities in the Western Arctic, where it witnessed hunts for seals, walruses, and whales. Now, it stands as a symbol of reconciliation between the Roman Catholic Church and Indigenous communities in Canada.
After intricate negotiations, the kayak and other Indigenous artifacts are on the verge of returning home, signifying a significant step towards healing for communities affected by Catholic-run residential schools. The Vatican and the Canadian Catholic Church are reportedly nearing an agreement, facilitated by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), to repatriate these cultural treasures before the year concludes.
The CCCB has emphasized its collaboration with Indigenous Peoples on crucial matters, including the return of artifacts currently housed at the Vatican Museums. An official announcement is expected from the Holy See in the coming weeks, confirming the return process.
The rare kayak, one of only five worldwide, and other items will initially be transferred to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. There, experts will evaluate their condition, authenticate their age and origins, and work alongside Indigenous representatives to determine their ultimate placement.
In a structured “church-to-church” donation, the Vatican will transfer the artifacts to the Canadian Bishops, who will then pass them on to Indigenous communities. This approach allows the Vatican to avoid setting a precedent of directly returning cultural objects to nations or communities, similar to the model used when fragments of the Parthenon Marbles were returned to Greece in 2023.
The items, including the Inuvialuit kayak, were originally sent to Rome in 1925 for a world exhibition organized by Pope Pius XI. These objects, collected during a period of forced conversion and cultural suppression, became part of the Vatican’s permanent collection. The return of these artifacts signifies a step towards healing and reconciliation for Indigenous communities impacted by historical injustices.
Indigenous leaders have long advocated for the repatriation of sacred artifacts, essential for the healing journey of residential school survivors. The pending return of these items holds significant importance on both symbolic and personal levels for Indigenous communities, marking a tangible response to decades of cultural loss.
This imminent homecoming of the fragile kayak and other artifacts signifies a crucial milestone in the ongoing process of reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous communities in Canada.