Vatican Returns Indigenous Cultural Items to Canada

Pope Leo 'desires that this gift represent a concrete sign of dialogue, respect and fraternity,' Vatican says

By Administrator

Published on 11/17/2025 16:36

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This Inuvialuit kayak is part of dozens of Indigenous cultural items from Canada that were being held at the Vatican Museums, but on Saturday were gifted by Pope Leo to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, with the aim of having them returned to various communities. (Submitted by Ken Lister)

Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - November 18 2025 - A century-old Inuvialuit kayak and 61 other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artifacts from Vatican Museums will return to Canada on December 6.

Pope Leo XIV's gift to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) promoted reconciliation with Indigenous peoples affected by church actions.

The artifacts will be assessed and returned to their communities by National Indigenous Organizations after two years of negotiations.

Despite criticism of the “church-to-church” return process, Canadian leaders recognize its importance for truth and reconciliation.

Indigenous Canadians have endured a complex history of cultural suppression and forced conversion, as shown by the kayak and other items.