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Vatican returns 62 items taken from Indigenous communities in Canada

Vatican returns 62 items taken from Indigenous communities in Canada

Summary

The Vatican has returned 62 Indigenous artefacts to Canadian Catholic bishops to be given back to Indigenous communities in Canada. The items were originally taken to Rome nearly a century ago and kept in the Vatican Museums. This return follows requests from Indigenous groups for the restitution of their cultural heritage.

Key Facts

  • The Vatican returned 62 artefacts to Canadian Catholic bishops for Indigenous communities.
  • Representatives from the Vatican and Canadian bishops discussed the handover in Vatican City.
  • The artefacts had been in Rome since a 1925 exhibition curated by Pope Pius XI.
  • The Vatican claims the artefacts were gifts, but Indigenous groups disagreed.
  • The return coincides with previous apologies from the church regarding residential school abuses.
  • These artefacts include items like wampum belts and an Inuit kayak.
  • The Canadian bishops will pass the items to Canada’s National Indigenous Organisations.
  • This action is described as a move of "ecclesial sharing" aimed at fostering respect.
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