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Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Vatican hiding sacred treasures, countries demand return of indigenous artifacts
The Vatican's Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum , nestled in the heart of Vatican City , is home to thousands of Indigenous artifacts from every corner of the globe. Originally collected for a 1925 Vatican exhibition showcasing the reach of Catholic missions, these items now sit at the center of a growing international debate: Should these sacred and culturally vital objects be returned to their communities of origin? As calls for repatriation grow louder, here's a closer look at which countries are demanding the return of their heritage, what artifacts are involved, and where the Vatican stands. Canada: A call for healing and justice Canadian Indigenous leaders are among the most vocal, seeking the return of sacred items such as a rare Inuvialuit sealskin, Cree leather gloves, a two-century-old wampum belt, a Gwich'in baby belt, a beluga tooth necklace, sacred pipes, medicine bundles, ceremonial attire, and an Inuit kayak. These artifacts were taken during a period marked by forced assimilation and residential schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations emphasized, 'Every one of these artifacts is a sacred item, essential for the healing journey of numerous survivors of residential schools'. Floyd Favel, curator at the Chief Poundmaker Museum, added, 'They embody our history and culture. They strengthen our connection to the past, which is increasingly vital as our languages and cultures face significant threats'. Victoria Pruden, president of the Métis National Council, reflected on viewing the artifacts: 'You couldn't help but feel that tug in your heart that those items should be back home. And they should be somewhere where our children and our grandchildren and our communities could enjoy them and contemplate them'. Live Events Despite Pope Francis 's 2022 apology and pledge to return the artifacts, none have yet been repatriated. 'There's a lot of rhetoric around truth and reconciliation, a lot of sort of performativity around it, but there hasn't been any restitution to date,' said Indigenous advocate Bell. Ecuador: A rare success story Ecuador is among the few countries to have seen a successful return: the Vatican repatriated a shrunken head used in Jivaroan rituals back to Ecuador in 2021. This act is frequently cited as a hopeful precedent by other nations seeking the return of their own heritage. Australia: Seeking recognition and respect The Vatican's collection includes feathered headdresses, masks, and ceremonial objects from Aboriginal Australian communities. Aboriginal leaders argue these items remain stripped of context and meaning, and their calls for return persist. The Vatican claims these were gifts, but many Indigenous advocates and historians dispute whether genuine consent was possible under colonial power dynamics. The Vatican's position: gifts or appropriation? The Vatican maintains that most items were received as gifts, but Pope Francis has acknowledged the need for restitution. 'The Seventh Commandment comes to mind: If you steal something you have to give it back,' he said, signaling openness to returning artifacts on a case-by-case basis. On the broader issue, Pope Francis stated, 'The restitution of the Indigenous things is underway with Canada — at least we agreed to do it… In the case where you can return things, where it's necessary to make a gesture, better to do it. It's good for everyone, so you don't get used to putting your hands in someone else's pockets'. As the international spotlight grows, the Vatican faces mounting pressure to address these claims transparently and justly. For many Indigenous communities, the return of these artifacts is not just about reclaiming objects, but about restoring identity, dignity, and cultural continuity. As Victoria Pruden put it, 'What an important symbol of reconciliation returning them will be when we manage to accomplish that".
Winnipeg Free Press
02-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Grateful for opportunity, amazed by community
Opinion This is my last newspaper column. After 36 years as a business writer at the Free Press, I am retiring. Irrespective of the relative excellence of the work I've had published, I've had a fantastic run, with supportive colleagues, patient editors and contacts and sources who (usually) returned my calls. It's the nature of the beast (which must be fed every day) that writing on deadline can be stressful. But over the years, I worried more about missing a story that readers expected more than I did rebukes from editors. Over time, I got the hang of the slow, steady growth dynamic of the Manitoba economy and the DIY attitude in this province. While other places around the country may build taller skyscrapers, bigger Amazon warehouses and sexier software companies, I came to understand, in Manitoba, businesses tend to bide their time until the right opportunity came along. Sure there's plenty of misfires (I still can't believe the world's only canola protein plant couldn't make a go of it) but when a large project or enterprise is embarked on, chances are it will be done right — whether it's an Arctic char hatchery or relaunching Winnipeg's NHL franchise. Even though Winnipeggers love to play the role of the plucky underdog, I found the modesty is not performative. I have often taken to heart the old line local business leader Sandy Riley is usually credited with coining: Winnipeg wouldn't exist without the collective will of the people. I have been amazed at that collective will on so many occasions. One of my favourite examples was the creation of AssentWorks (now North Forge Fabrication Lab), the largest maker-space of its kind in the country. It was something few enterprising individuals thought the community would benefit from without any consideration or profit for themselves. I've often been struck by the quirky nature of the competitive spirit in Winnipeg. When the whole community benefits, I've seen uncommon co-operation. Individual corporate successes became a source of community pride: having the biggest bus company in North America; the largest commercial HVAC equipment company in Canada and the U.S.; the biggest mutual fund company in the country; and one of the largest auto collision-repair chains on the continent all based in Winnipeg. I've been amazed at the vital, successful community enterprises like CentrePort, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, all the Business Improvement Zones, chambers of commerce and Hudson Bay Railway that would not exist if there wasn't a lot of different players — including government — pitching in without expectation of future financial rewards. Growing up in suburban Toronto, I had little to no exposure to the realities of Canadian Indigenous peoples before coming to Winnipeg. Over the years, I have been humbled and inspired by the creative energy and goodwill I've encountered from that community, in spite of the cruel barriers it continues to have to overcome. But I've also felt pride in being part of a community that acknowledges past wrongs and sincerely tries to address them. I think the best example is the all-expenses-paid Indigenous pilot training program operated by Exchange Income Corp., whose airlines (Perimeter Aviation, Calm Air, Keewatin Air and others) fly into many First Nation communities and are often their only transportation option. I've seen the joy in the faces of graduates and enthusiasm of company officials about the pilot program that now has campuses in Thompson and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Yes, it's good business for those airlines to potentially have Indigenous pilots flying into the communities where they grew up. But the graduates are free to go and work wherever they want and are under no obligation to work for the company that paid for their training. That's the kind of economic reconciliation that ought to serve as an example for the whole country. I'm grateful to have been accorded a ridiculous amount of kindness, respect and professional courtesy from so many people in the Manitoba business community — too many to name here. I've also been honoured and proud to work at one of the last surviving independent daily newspapers in the country. The Free Press is a local institution and although it may be smaller than when I started in 1989, readers don't ever have to worry whether they're getting the truth, delivered to the best of its ability, every day. It requires relentless hard work to put a daily newspaper and my colleagues at the Free Press — including management and ownership — have been a source of inspiration. I know the good work being done will continue in my absence and be enhanced by excellent young talent who will carry on the tradition. As press freedoms around the world diminish, Manitoba is lucky to have — and deserves — the Free Press. Martin CashReporter Martin Cash is a business reporter/columnist who's been on that beat for the Free Press since 1989. He's a graduate of the University of Toronto and studied journalism at Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University). Read more about Martin. Every piece of reporting Martin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Toronto Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Canada's Indigenous leaders on losing Pope Francis: ‘An ally and a friend'
Canadian Indigenous leaders bid farewell to 'an ally and a friend' at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, lauding the pontiff for advancing reconciliation efforts with a historic apology for injustices that remain raw for many. Gov-Gen. Gen. Mary Simon and chiefs Wilton Littlechild, Phil Fontaine and Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak were among the thousands of dignitaries and Catholic faithful who filled St. Peter's Square to honour Francis and his dedication to a myriad of issues, including concerns facing migrants, marginalized groups and the poor.
Hamilton Spectator
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada's Indigenous leaders on losing Pope Francis: ‘An ally and a friend'
Canadian Indigenous leaders bid farewell to 'an ally and a friend' at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, lauding the pontiff for advancing reconciliation efforts with a historic apology for injustices that remain raw for many. Gov-Gen. Gen. Mary Simon and chiefs Wilton Littlechild, Phil Fontaine and Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak were among the thousands of dignitaries and Catholic faithful who filled St. Peter's Square to honour Francis and his dedication to a myriad of issues, including concerns facing migrants, marginalized groups and the poor. Afterwards, the head of the Assembly of First Nations remembered Francis for apologizing during his visit to Canada in July 2022 for the Catholic Church's role in widespread abuses at residential schools. 'I stand with people around the world and in mourning the loss of an ally and a friend to First Nations, Pope Francis,' National Chief Nepinak said by phone Saturday, reached on a busy Rome street hours after the mass. 'No other pope before him had done that, had done that work and had apologized, and so I thank him for his life.' Nepinak acknowledged a sad day in marking the pontiff's death, but also a day for looking to the future, 'knowing that we have to still build the relationships and change the conversation on some really difficult issues within the Catholic Church.' Simon, Canada's first Indigenous governor general, said the pontiff's apology for abuses in the residential school system was a significant step in addressing historical injustices. 'I hope that the new pope will carry on the work that Pope Francis was doing,' said Simon, who led the Canadian delegation to Rome. 'The apology was a significant milestone, and we have to continue working together on the journey of reconciliation. The fact that he came to Canada and apologized on Canadian lands, on Indigenous lands, was very significant.' Littlechild said it's important to continue that work for 'our healing journeys.' Nepinak said she, Littlechild and Fontaine met with several Canadian cardinals after the funeral to informally discuss next steps in healing relations between the Church and Indigenous Peoples. 'We talked about some of the work that he had done in the past couple of years. So it was a good day that way, where I was able to build relations with Vatican officials and cardinals and bishops,' she said. The road ahead is not smooth, she added, noting resistance remains among some in the Church and in Indigenous communities to both change and accepting the apology. 'I think it's very raw. And residential schools is just very, still, very raw for Canada.' The papal visit in July 2022 was described as a 'penitential pilgrimage' because Pope Francis insisted on meeting with Indigenous survivors of residential schools and hearing their stories. In Maskwacis, Alta., Francis begged for forgiveness and expressed shame for abuses committed by some members of the Church. In Nunavut, he met survivors who showcased traditional practices banned in residential schools, including dancing, drumming and throat singing. While the visit was recognized as a milestone, some criticized Francis for not naming the crimes and abuses. Others called for action, such as the return of sacred artifacts held by the Vatican. Nepinak said she saw signs of a possible renewed relationship with the Church, noting that when she arrived at the funeral, she initially took her place towards the back of a VIP section. But then a Vatican official approached and pulled her closer to the front. 'I was sitting in the back row, and some of the Vatican officials came and got me, and they brought me up to the stage, closer to his coffin and with the dignitaries up top,' she said. 'I want to be hopeful.' Simon said it's important for the Vatican to continue efforts at reconciliation. 'It's a long process, but you see things moving forward. And I hope that will continue to happen.' About 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools, more than 60 per cent of which were run by the Catholic Church. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2025.
CNN
22-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Live updates: Pope Francis death and Vatican news
Update: Date: 13 min ago Title: In Canada, Pope Francis will be remembered for his historic apology to Indigenous people Content: 'I am very sorry.' These words, delivered by Pope Francis to Canadian Indigenous leaders during their historic visit to Rome in 2022, were decades in the making. Francis apologized for the Catholic Church's role in what he said were 'deplorable' abuses at Canada's residential schools, which forcibly assimilated Indigenous children into Canadian society, stripping them of their language and culture. More than 4,000 Indigenous children died from either neglect or abuse in residential schools, most of which were run by the church, according to Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The last residential school closed in 1998. The discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan in 2021 further laid bare the extent of the horrors. Indigenous leaders had fought for decades for a papal apology for the harm inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and Métis children. Francis will be remembered in Canada as the pope who finally delivered that apology — first at the Vatican, then again during an emotional six-day 'pilgrimage of penance' in Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut. 'I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples,' Francis said in Canada. The pontiff's visit was bittersweet for survivors, some of whom said it triggered more pain. But Francis' public recognition of the Church's wrongdoing — abuses for which he said he felt 'sorrow and shame' — were a crucial step toward reconciliation, according to many Indigenous leaders. 'We've lost an ally,' Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, told CNN affiliate CBC News. 'He wanted to right the wrongs of the past. 'Pope Francis opened up a new chapter to healing for survivors and their families.' Update: Date: 13 min ago Title: One of the world's most Catholic countries will have an important role in choosing the next pope Content: The Southeast Asian nation of East Timor — one of the world's most Catholic countries — has declared a week of national mourning for Pope Francis. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is the second-most Catholic country in the world, with 97% of the population identifying as Catholic, the highest share outside of the Vatican. It hosted Pope Francis on his marathon trip through Asia last year. He received a rapturous welcome, with almost half of the country's 1.3 million population attending his open-air Mass. Churches in East Timor held special masses on Monday and flags will be flown at half-mast to honor the pope, whose death was described by its President Jose Ramos-Horta as a 'tremendous loss for the world, not just only for Christians.' East Timor is one of the world's youngest countries and the Catholic Church was influential in its tumultuous and bloody fight for independence from Indonesia. The East Timor government called the pope's visit 'a historic moment for our country.' 'It was a profound encounter with a people who had suffered so much in gaining their freedom and independence,' said government spokesperson and minister Agio Pereira. East Timor will also have an important role in choosing the next pope. Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva is the country's first cardinal after he was hand-picked by Pope Francis in 2022. Carmo da Silva is named by the Vatican as one of 135 cardinal electors, making him the first person from East Timor to take part in a conclave, the millennia-old process of picking a new pontiff. Update: Date: 13 min ago Title: "We lost a man of peace": Palestinians in the Holy Land mourn the pope's death Content: Palestinians from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Gaza are mourning Pope Francis' death, saying they've 'lost a man of peace' who was 'supportive of the Palestinian people.' In Gaza, worshippers commemorated the pope at the Holy Family Church. Francis, who had long criticized Israel's war in Gaza, called for a ceasefire in the enclave. Throughout the war, he made nightly calls to Father Gabriele Romanelli, parish priest of the church in Gaza, where Christians and Muslims have often sought refuge from Israeli bombardment. The last call between the two was held on Saturday, Romanelli said. The Pope was 'very close to us' during the war, sending a 'blessing for all Gazan people and for all the Palestinians,' Romanelli said. 'We expect that the world will accept his call…his appeal for the peace.' Across Gaza, Christian and Muslim Palestinians mourned the pope. 'We lost a man of peace and a man of love,' Palestinian Christian Essam Qormosh said. Mouein Shaloulah, a Muslim Palestinian, expressed 'grief and sorrow,' saying he hopes the Pope's call for 'justice and fairness' will be achieved after his death. In Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, mayor Anton Salman said the loss is both to the 'Catholic Church and to humanity.' The Pope used to 'encourage [the people of Gaza] to stay and remain steadfast until this dark cloud clears from Palestinian skies.' 'Bethlehem is sad today,' resident Atallah Hannah said. 'He was supportive of the Palestinian people.' In Jerusalem, pilgrims and worshippers have been celebrating Easter at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — believed to be the site of Jesus Christ's tomb, from which he was resurrected. 'We were honestly surprised with the news, and very sad,' a Palestinian Christian worshipper said. 'We want to pray for his soul in this holy day after the day of resurrection.' Update: Date: 13 min ago Title: Pope's death delays canonization of world's first millennial saint Content: Pope Francis had been expected to canonize the world's first millennial saint at a service next Sunday attended by tens of thousands of teenagers from around the world. The event has since been postponed. Born in London to Italian parents in 1991, Carlo Acutis was just 15 years old when he died of leukemia in 2006. He was beatified in Assisi, Italy, last year, where his body lies entombed in a transparent casket, covered by a wax mold of his likeness, wearing a track top, jeans and trainers, according to Reuters. His mother Antonia Salzano Acutis told the news agency that her son showed an early interest in the church, but in many ways, he was just like an ordinary teen. 'His extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus and put Jesus in the first place in his life,' Salzano Acutis said. Becoming a saint requires the recognition of two miracles. Prayers to Acutis are credited with healing a 4-year-old Brazilian boy who suffered from a pancreatic illness, and a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman who was almost killed in a bicycle accident. Acutis was known for his devotion to miracles and apparitions of the Virgin Mary and created a website to document them, according to Vatican News. His life was the subject of a documentary released earlier this month that depicts him as an ordinary sneaker-wearing teenager with a talent for web design. Update: Date: 14 min ago Title: Here's how the millennia-old process of picking a new pontiff will unfold Content: Pope Francis' death has triggered the start of a millennia-old process of picking a new pontiff. Here are the next steps: The mourning period: The pope's passing marked the start of the 'Papal Interregnum' — the period between the death of one pope and the election of another. The day of the pope's death includes nine days of mourning known as the Novendiales, and the pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth day. Cardinals must now decide exactly when the funeral can take place. Until then, the pope will lie in state in a coffin. The burial: Francis declared his wish to be buried in a simple tomb in the ground at Rome's Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a significant Catholic church and papal basilica. Seven past pontiffs are buried there, but he will be the first in over a century to choose this burial site, which is outside the Vatican. He had arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover the expenses of his burial. Picking a new pope: Cardinals from around the world must gather for the conclave to select Francis' successor. The voting process is kept secret and typically takes between two and three weeks, though it can stretch slightly beyond that if cardinals struggle to agree on a candidate. The interim: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who holds the position of 'camerlengo' or chamberlain, has become acting head of the Vatican. Farrell was also the cardinal who sealed the Papal Apartment of the Apostolic Palace, the traditional residence of the pope, to mark the beginning of the mourning period. The apartment was not used by Francis, who lived in Casa Santa Marta, and that apartment was also sealed. The closure of the pope's residences is a symbolic gesture that historically served to prevent looting and symbolizes the formal end of the Francis pontificate.
