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Global News
a day ago
- Politics
- Global News
B.C. reports offer ‘road map' for repatriation of Indigenous historical items
A pair of reports out of British Columbia are detailing the complex, expensive and under resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items or remains back to their homes. The studies, developed in partnership between the First Peoples' Cultural Council and K'yuu Enterprise Corporation, call for changes including the creation of a centralized body to facilitate the work, a repatriation accreditation program for museums and other institutions, and 'substantial' funding and support from the provincial and federal government. Gretchen Fox, an anthropologist and the council's acting heritage manager, said the growing interest in the moral and ethical requirement for repatriation shows resources are needed to set out steps that could be used in B.C. and in other provinces and territories. 'There was a need for a way forward, or a road map — what's involved in repatriation, what's the history of it,' she said. Story continues below advertisement 'To have a really good understanding and documentation of what's been lost, where these ancestors and belongings are held today, and what kind of work specifically is involved in locating them.' Researchers with the K'yuu Enterprise Corporation did a survey and found more than 2,500 B.C. First Nation human remains and upwards of 100,000 belongings are known to be held in 229 institutions — including museums and universities — around the world. Fox said the survey had only a 50 per cent response rate. 'So, we know that the numbers are much higher, and those numbers are just for ancestors and belongings that are associated with B.C. First Nations,' she said. 2:11 Heiltsuk Nation celebrates 'powerful, emotional' return of historic chief's seat The main report breaks down repatriation into a four-step process starting with planning and research, followed by repatriation itself and the long-term caretaking of the items or remains. Story continues below advertisement It says 60 per cent of B.C. First Nations surveyed have already spent more than $1 million on repatriation work to date. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Since the Canadian government has yet to commit to dedicated repatriation legislation, policy and funding, many (B.C. First Nations) are reliant on grants and other mechanisms to support their repatriation work,' it says. The report says when applying for grant programs that aren't dedicated to repatriation, nations are forced to focus on strict funding criteria and narrow timelines rather than their own needs. In 2016, B.C. became the first province in Canada to offer a grant to help pay for repatriation. While the report calls that funding 'welcome,' it says the money has not kept pace with requests. It says repatriation in Canada is 'severely underfunded.' 'For decades, B.C. First Nations have funded this work through piecemeal grants and heavy reliance on volunteer labour,' it says. Fox said there are a range of costs, from paying personnel to the technology required to research where items are located or the cost to store them properly. 2:20 Totem's arrival on Nisga'a land reveals the full scope of the work ahead A companion report offers what Fox calls a 'really high level' cost estimate. Story continues below advertisement It suggests that if all 204 B.C. First Nations were funded over five years to participate in repatriation at various stages it would cost an estimated $663 million. Fox said the number is not a request for funding, but rather an attempt to test the model and 'show the monumental, significant, costs of this.' The report says repatriation is also an economic and social driver with benefits like health and healing, jobs and community development. 'It has spiritual and cultural impacts of reconnecting with belongings and carrying out responsibilities to ancestors and It's so meaningful, even if it's engaged at a slower pace, or on a smaller scale,' Fox said. She said having a First Nation-led centralized organizing body and programming to facilitate repatriation would be helpful to provide the opportunity to pool experience and resources. 'First Nations in B.C. are really leading the way in repatriation, and quite a few have quite a bit of expertise and experience around doing the work and also insights into the kinds of supports, whether it's legislation (or) policy,' she said. Inviting museums and other holding institutions would also be beneficial, Fox said. 2:17 Sacred totem pole to return home to Bella Coola In 2023, a totem pole that had been on display at the Royal B.C. Museum, was brought back to Bella Coola, located almost 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. Story continues below advertisement It was taken in 1913 and became part of the museum's collection. Representatives of the Nuxalk Nation said at the time that they had been trying to get the totem and other artifacts back since 2019. Also in 2023, a memorial totem pole belonging to members of the Nisga'a Nation was returned from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where it has been for nearly a century. Last year, the Heiltsuk Nation celebrated the return of a chief's seat that had been in the Royal BC Museum since 1911. Fox said an accreditation program for institutions that hold First Nations' remains and belongings could teach about repatriation and the practices and protocols needed. 'There's not a lot of formal training for folks who are doing the work, so it makes sense for those who are experts to have an arena, to share that,' she said. She said there is still work to be done, but over the last few decades more institutions are recognizing the 'moral and ethical imperative to make things right. That these belongings and ancestors were stolen or taken under duress from First Nations communities, and that the right thing to do is to facilitate their return.' 'At the same time, First Nations repatriation experts are training the next generations within their communities, and they're building relationships with institutions. And so we are seeing some significant movement and recognition that this is the right thing to do,' she said.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. reports offer ‘road map' for repatriation of Indigenous items, remains
A pair of reports out of British Columbia are detailing the complex, expensive and under resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items or remains back to their homes. The studies, developed in partnership between the First Peoples' Cultural Council and K'yuu Enterprise Corporation, call for changes including the creation of a centralized body to facilitate the work, a repatriation accreditation program for museums and other institutions, and 'substantial' funding and support from the provincial and federal government. Gretchen Fox, an anthropologist and the council's acting heritage manager, said the growing interest in the moral and ethical requirement for repatriation shows resources are needed to set out steps that could be used in B.C. and in other provinces and territories. 'There was a need for a way forward, or a road map — what's involved in repatriation, what's the history of it,' she said. 'To have a really good understanding and documentation of what's been lost, where these ancestors and belongings are held today, and what kind of work specifically is involved in locating them.' Researchers with the K'yuu Enterprise Corporation did a survey and found more than 2,500 B.C. First Nation human remains and upwards of 100,000 belongings are known to be held in 229 institutions — including museums and universities — around the world. Fox said the survey had only a 50 per cent response rate. 'So, we know that the numbers are much higher, and those numbers are just for ancestors and belongings that are associated with B.C. First Nations,' she said. The main report breaks down repatriation into a four-step process starting with planning and research, followed by repatriation itself and the long-term caretaking of the items or remains. It says 60 per cent of B.C. First Nations surveyed have already spent more than $1 million on repatriation work to date. 'Since the Canadian government has yet to commit to dedicated repatriation legislation, policy and funding, many (B.C. First Nations) are reliant on grants and other mechanisms to support their repatriation work,' it says. The report says when applying for grant programs that aren't dedicated to repatriation, nations are forced to focus on strict funding criteria and narrow timelines rather than their own needs. In 2016, B.C. became the first province in Canada to offer a grant to help pay for repatriation. While the report calls that funding 'welcome,' it says the money has not kept pace with requests. It says repatriation in Canada is 'severely underfunded.' 'For decades, B.C. First Nations have funded this work through piecemeal grants and heavy reliance on volunteer labour,' it says. Fox said there are a range of costs, from paying personnel to the technology required to research where items are located or the cost to store them properly. A companion report offers what Fox calls a 'really high level' cost estimate It suggests that if all 204 B.C. First Nations were funded over five years to participate in repatriation at various stages it would cost an estimated $663 million. Fox said the number is not a request for funding, but rather an attempt to test the model and 'show the monumental, significant, costs of this.' The report says repatriation is also an economic and social driver with benefits like health and healing, jobs and community development. 'It has spiritual and cultural impacts of reconnecting with belongings and carrying out responsibilities to ancestors and It's so meaningful, even if it's engaged at a slower pace, or on a smaller scale,' Fox said. She said having a First Nation-led centralized organizing body and programming to facilitate repatriation would be helpful to provide the opportunity to pool experience and resources. 'First Nations in B.C. are really leading the way in repatriation, and quite a few have quite a bit of expertise and experience around doing the work and also insights into the kinds of supports, whether it's legislation (or) policy,' she said. Inviting museums and other holding institutions would also be beneficial, Fox said. In 2023, a totem pole that had been on display at the Royal B.C. Museum, was brought back to Bella Coola, located almost 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. It was taken in 1913 and became part of the museum's collection. Representatives of the Nuxalk Nation said at the time that they had been trying to get the totem and other artifacts back since 2019. Also in 2023, a memorial totem pole belonging to members of the Nisga'a Nation was returned from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where it has been for nearly a century. Last year, the Heiltsuk Nation celebrated the return of a chief's seat that had been in the Royal BC Museum since 1911. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. Fox said an accreditation program for institutions that hold First Nations' remains and belongings could teach about repatriation and the practices and protocols needed. 'There's not a lot of formal training for folks who are doing the work, so it makes sense for those who are experts to have an arena, to share that,' she said. She said there is still work to be done, but over the last few decades more institutions are recognizing the 'moral and ethical imperative to make things right. That these belongings and ancestors were stolen or taken under duress from First Nations communities, and that the right thing to do is to facilitate their return.' 'At the same time, First Nations repatriation experts are training the next generations within their communities, and they're building relationships with institutions. And so we are seeing some significant movement and recognition that this is the right thing to do,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. reports offer ‘road map' for repatriation of Indigenous items, remains
A pair of reports out of British Columbia are detailing the complex, expensive and under resourced process of repatriating Indigenous historical items or remains back to their homes. The studies, developed in partnership between the First Peoples' Cultural Council and K'yuu Enterprise Corporation, call for changes including the creation of a centralized body to facilitate the work, a repatriation accreditation program for museums and other institutions, and 'substantial' funding and support from the provincial and federal government. Gretchen Fox, an anthropologist and the council's acting heritage manager, said the growing interest in the moral and ethical requirement for repatriation shows resources are needed to set out steps that could be used in B.C. and in other provinces and territories. 'There was a need for a way forward, or a road map — what's involved in repatriation, what's the history of it,' she said. 'To have a really good understanding and documentation of what's been lost, where these ancestors and belongings are held today, and what kind of work specifically is involved in locating them.' Researchers with the K'yuu Enterprise Corporation did a survey and found more than 2,500 B.C. First Nation human remains and upwards of 100,000 belongings are known to be held in 229 institutions — including museums and universities — around the world. Fox said the survey had only a 50 per cent response rate. 'So, we know that the numbers are much higher, and those numbers are just for ancestors and belongings that are associated with B.C. First Nations,' she said. The main report breaks down repatriation into a four-step process starting with planning and research, followed by repatriation itself and the long-term caretaking of the items or remains. It says 60 per cent of B.C. First Nations surveyed have already spent more than $1 million on repatriation work to date. 'Since the Canadian government has yet to commit to dedicated repatriation legislation, policy and funding, many (B.C. First Nations) are reliant on grants and other mechanisms to support their repatriation work,' it says. The report says when applying for grant programs that aren't dedicated to repatriation, nations are forced to focus on strict funding criteria and narrow timelines rather than their own needs. In 2016, B.C. became the first province in Canada to offer a grant to help pay for repatriation. While the report calls that funding 'welcome,' it says the money has not kept pace with requests. It says repatriation in Canada is 'severely underfunded.' 'For decades, B.C. First Nations have funded this work through piecemeal grants and heavy reliance on volunteer labour,' it says. Fox said there are a range of costs, from paying personnel to the technology required to research where items are located or the cost to store them properly. A companion report offers what Fox calls a 'really high level' cost estimate It suggests that if all 204 B.C. First Nations were funded over five years to participate in repatriation at various stages it would cost an estimated $663 million. Fox said the number is not a request for funding, but rather an attempt to test the model and 'show the monumental, significant, costs of this.' The report says repatriation is also an economic and social driver with benefits like health and healing, jobs and community development. 'It has spiritual and cultural impacts of reconnecting with belongings and carrying out responsibilities to ancestors and It's so meaningful, even if it's engaged at a slower pace, or on a smaller scale,' Fox said. She said having a First Nation-led centralized organizing body and programming to facilitate repatriation would be helpful to provide the opportunity to pool experience and resources. 'First Nations in B.C. are really leading the way in repatriation, and quite a few have quite a bit of expertise and experience around doing the work and also insights into the kinds of supports, whether it's legislation (or) policy,' she said. Inviting museums and other holding institutions would also be beneficial, Fox said. In 2023, a totem pole that had been on display at the Royal B.C. Museum, was brought back to Bella Coola, located almost 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. It was taken in 1913 and became part of the museum's collection. Representatives of the Nuxalk Nation said at the time that they had been trying to get the totem and other artifacts back since 2019. Also in 2023, a memorial totem pole belonging to members of the Nisga'a Nation was returned from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where it has been for nearly a century. Last year, the Heiltsuk Nation celebrated the return of a chief's seat that had been in the Royal BC Museum since 1911. Fox said an accreditation program for institutions that hold First Nations' remains and belongings could teach about repatriation and the practices and protocols needed. 'There's not a lot of formal training for folks who are doing the work, so it makes sense for those who are experts to have an arena, to share that,' she said. She said there is still work to be done, but over the last few decades more institutions are recognizing the 'moral and ethical imperative to make things right. That these belongings and ancestors were stolen or taken under duress from First Nations communities, and that the right thing to do is to facilitate their return.' 'At the same time, First Nations repatriation experts are training the next generations within their communities, and they're building relationships with institutions. And so we are seeing some significant movement and recognition that this is the right thing to do,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Groundbreaking B.C. First Nations–led research reveals the history of repatriation in B.C. and the path to bring thousands of Ancestors and Belongings home
Two groundbreaking reports, commissioned by the First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC), provide First Nations–led research and analysis of the history and scope of work required to bolster B.C. First Nations repatriation efforts. W̱JOȽEȽP, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF W̱SÁNEĆ NATION / BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. –, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Estimates from community-based repatriation budgets show significant, long-term investment is needed to repatriate thousands of Ancestors and Belongings that must be returned home. First Nations communities have generously shared their knowledge and expertise, providing insight and rich data on all aspects of repatriation. 'This research illustrates the scope of repatriation and the incredible amount of work still left to do,' says Karen Aird, Heritage Manager at the First Peoples' Cultural Council. 'The reports demonstrate the perseverance of B.C. First Nations despite decades of cultural destruction and suppression. Self-determined repatriation of lost Belongings and Ancestors is crucial for cultural revitalization. This is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the reality of repatriation and what is required for communities to start the path to healing.' From Stealing to Healing: Repatriation and B.C. First Nations presents critical research identifying over 2,500 Ancestors and 100,000 Belongings from B.C. that are currently held in 229 colonial institutions worldwide. A timeline presents over 100 years of removal and repatriation in B.C. and shares more recent repatriation experiences through case studies from 16 Nations. These stories show the lasting and immeasurable positive impacts of repatriation in B.C. First Nations communities and how vital this work is for healing and cultural revitalization. The research findings of the Repatriation Cost Analysis: A Framework and Model are based on actual costs and budgets provided by First Nations communities. It describes the steps taken to identify and estimate the costs of First Nations–led repatriation, from beginning planning to long-term caretaking after Ancestors and Belongings are repatriated. It provides a cost model with the flexibility to account for various stages of readiness, number of items and diversity across B.C. First Nations communities. It is meant to be used as a tool for communities and organizations to identify their capacity and needs to move forward with their repatriation projects. 'The First Peoples' Cultural Council is so grateful to the community experts who so generously shared their knowledge and expertise with all of us,' says Tracey Herbert, CEO of the First Peoples' Cultural Council. 'This groundbreaking research reveals that First Nations–led repatriation is a moral and ethical imperative to mitigate historical and ongoing cultural appropriation. The reports create an opportunity to work together and invest in British Columbia's collective heritage.' This research shows that policy and legislative change, sustained investment, strategic planning, research development, infrastructure and collaboration are essential to successful repatriation efforts. The tools provided aim to address barriers to support the return of Ancestors and Belongings to their rightful place in communities. From Stealing to Healing: Repatriation and B.C. First Nations was researched and written for FPCC by K'yuu Enterprise Corporation, a Haida consulting company. Research and development of From Stealing to Healing and the Cost Analysis reports was made possible with funding from the Province of British Columbia through the First Peoples' Cultural Foundation. Additional quotes: Málágius Gerald Lawson, Board Chair, First Peoples' Cultural Foundation – 'At First Peoples' Cultural Foundation, we honour the B.C. First Nations communities leading their own repatriation efforts. Communities reclaiming their cultural heritage on their own terms strengthens cultural, spiritual, physical and economic well-being. To support this important work, long-term, reliable funding and strategic support are urgently needed. These investments in Indigenous-led organizations help create safer and more impactful repatriation efforts and ensure lasting change for generations to come.' Jennie Glennie, Archivist, Language & Culture Department, Gitxaała Nation, Project: Gitxaała Reclamation. From Stealing to Healing: Repatriation and B.C. First Nations case study and FPCC Repatriation Grant recipient – 'The return of a sacred totem pole in April 2023 marked Gitxaała Nation's first-ever repatriation, bringing people together in a way not seen in years and rekindling a profound connection to cultural laws and traditions. Through the financial support of the First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC), the Nation was able to bring home more Ha'amwaal Łagyigyedm Gitxaała (Gitxaała's Ancestral Treasures) and, most significantly, lay two repatriated Ancestral Remains to rest with dignity according to traditional protocols. With countless cultural heritage Belongings still held in institutions worldwide, and the significant financial strain that Indigenous communities are faced with to reclaim what was unjustly taken, continued financial support and grants like the FPCC's are essential to sustaining this vital work of cultural reunification, healing and community revitalization.' Lindsey Willie, General Manager of the Nunwakola Cultural Society, Dzawada'enuxw First Nation, Project: Tłuma'eła 'A Long Time to Wait.' FPCC Repatriation Grant and Braided Knowledge Grant recipient – 'There are so many places out there that have our stuff across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. There are hundreds and hundreds of items from Kingcome, which is incredible because, really, we are such a small community. Yet they have thousands of items out there that are ours, and us with not a lot of people to do all of the work to bring them back. The funding has helped a little, but, really, there's barely any funding for repatriation. We have to use these smaller grants like the First Peoples' Cultural Council's Braided Knowledge Grant to piecemeal the work. The work is urgent as well, because we have Elders that are aging. Those Elders currently help us connect the dots between the knowledge that's in those museums and now.' Learn More Read the From Stealing to Healing: Repatriation and B.C. First Nations, Executive Summary and Fact Sheet see hereRead the Repatriation Cost Analysis: A Framework and Model, Executive Summary and Fact Sheet here Access images for media here View the Media Backgrounder with a list of the 16 repatriation case studies and FPCC-funded repatriation projects by community here Media Contact for FPCC, case study participants and grant recipients: media@ CONTACT: Emmy McMillan, Senior Communications Officer The First Peoples' Cultural Council 2508834077 media@
Globe and Mail
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Vancouver Singer-Songwriter Norine Braun Releases New Single 'Eye of the Hurricane'
Norine Braun, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist, announces the release of her powerful new single, 'Eye of the Hurricane'. Known for her soulful vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and versatility across multiple genres, Braun's latest song captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of chaos with her eerily prophetic lyrics. Inspired by a real-life story from Sarasota, Florida, during Hurricane Milton and just before the US election in October 2024. 'Eye of the Hurricane' is a cinematic, alternative track that brings listeners directly into the surreal experience of sitting in the still centre of a devastating storm. The song is based on a text exchange Braun had with a close friend sheltering in place with her husband and friends, sipping wine while waiting for the hurricane to pass. 'It was compelling and surreal to be so far apart and yet vicariously experience this incredible event,' Braun explains. 'My friend's calmness and humour sitting literally in the eye of the hurricane struck a chord, and I knew I had to capture that moment in song.' The single reunites Braun with producer Adam Popowitz, who has worked on her last seven albums, including her recent concept album, Journey Toward Wholeness. Together, the duo recorded 'Eye of the Hurricane' in a single day, layering Braun's evocative storytelling with atmospheric instrumentation to create a track that's as haunting as it is uplifting. "Eye of the Hurricane": A Universal Song of Resilience The upcoming single is poised to resonate with listeners across the globe. 'Eye of the Hurricane' is more than a story about weathering a literal storm—it's a metaphor for the quiet strength and connection people find in moments of uncertainty. With its cinematic production and Braun's signature soulful vocals, the track promises to captivate audiences and continue her legacy of deeply authentic artistry. An Award-Winning Artist with a Prolific Legacy Norine Braun's music career spans over two decades, with 14 albums that explore themes of the environment, identity, heritage, and the universal journey of life. During the pandemic, Braun created three albums, including December Falls, which reached #13 on the Canadian Roots Music Report's Top 100 Christmas Albums, and Songs For Trees, praised by The Vancouver Sun as "one of 5 albums you need to hear" in 2022. This project was supported by prestigious grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, First Peoples' Cultural Council, and FACTOR. Braun's latest full-length album also supported by a First Peoples' Cultural Council award. Journey Toward Wholeness, released in 2024, is a deeply personal concept album that explores her life as an adoptee, her discovery of her father and her Métis lineage and heritage. The record showcases Braun's ability to weave intimate storytelling with dynamic, groove-based roots music, solidifying her reputation as one of Vancouver's most innovative artists. Release Details 'Eye of the Hurricane' will be available on all major streaming platforms on February 21, 2025. For more information about Norine Braun, her music, and upcoming performances, visit Media Contact Company Name: Music Talkers Contact Person: Andrew Braithwaite Email: Send Email Phone: +44 (0)161 818 6487 Country: United Kingdom Website:
