Repatriation

We know that some of the belongings in our care were acquired during a dark time in Canada's history. The legacy of colonisation has deeply impacted Indigenous communities and we acknowledge our role in these acts, both as museum professionals and as archaeologists, and we commit to redressing them today.

We work in partnership with descendant communities to support outcomes that reflect their priorities and cultural heritage. These approaches vary by nation and may include unconditional return, shared stewardship agreements, cultural belongings research, and ceremony.

All repatriation requests are taken seriously and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The MAE does not hold ancestors (human remains), however, we can assist Nations seeking ancestral repatriation by helping connect them with the appropriate organizations or institutions.