OTTAWA, ON – December 11, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall joins First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada in welcoming the historic return of 62 Indigenous cultural artifacts from the Vatican Museums. This significant moment in the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation marks a tangible step in the Catholic Church’s commitment to healing and respect for Indigenous heritage.
The items, which include a century-old Inuvialuit kayak, a wampum belt, and various other cultural objects from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, were formally gifted by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) in November. They arrived in Canada on December 6, 2025, and are currently in the care of the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, for acclimatization and expert assessment.
Most of the collection was originally sent to Rome for a 1925 Vatican Mission Exhibition organized by Pope Pius XI. Following discussions with Indigenous delegations in 2022 and the late Pope Francis’s historic apology in Canada, the commitment was made to return these cherished items to their rightful owners.
“The return of these objects is not merely a transfer of artifacts; it is the bringing home of living, sacred pieces of culture and identity that connect the present generation with their ancestors,” said Archbishop Marcel Damphousse of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. “We are humbled to support this Indigenous-led process and pray that this act of repatriation helps to restore the dignity, power, and teachings embedded within these cultural belongings, which have been separated from their communities for far too long.”
The return of these initial 62 items is considered a historic first step, with many more artifacts remaining in the Vatican Museums’ collection.
The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall reaffirms its desire to walk alongside Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of dialogue, respect, and fraternity. The items will eventually be reunited with their communities of origin through a process guided by National Indigenous Organizations and cultural protocols to ensure they are returned in a proper and respectful way. This milestone is an opportunity for ongoing cultural revitalization and an affirmation of the inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to their heritage.
We look forward to seeing these items reawaken stories and traditions in their home communities and remain committed to continued efforts in truth, healing, and reconciliation.
About the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall:
The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall serves the Catholic community in Eastern Ontario, working in collaboration with local parishes and Indigenous communities to foster faith, reconciliation, and service.
la solidarité
Dr. Rose-Alma McDonald
Indigenous Advisor
rosealma.mcdonald@ottawacornwall.ca
journeyforhealing.ca/
