• The Vatican has returned 62 Indigenous artefacts to Canada, including an iconic Inuit kayak.
• This act is a response to historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Pope Francis's 2022 apology galvanized action towards returning these significant cultural items.
• The artefacts are set to arrive in Montreal on December 6 for processing and reunification with their communities.
• Critics argue that the church-to-church restitution model lacks transparency and does not address ongoing issues of colonialism.

The Vatican officially returned 62 Indigenous artefacts to Canada, marking an important step in the reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples. Among the returned items are an Inuit kayak, wampum belts, and masks, symbolizing a complex history of church-run residential schools and cultural suppression. This event follows a historic apology by Pope Francis in 2022, where he recognized the church's role in the "genocide" of Indigenous cultures, according to SCMP and BBC.

The artefacts, originally gathered for a 1925 Vatican exhibition, were presented to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) by Pope Leo XIV. The CCCB plans to transfer the items to National Indigenous Organizations which will ensure they reach their original communities. "The items bear witness to the history of the encounter between faith and Indigenous cultures," said a joint statement from the Vatican and the CCCB, highlighting the commitment to respecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, according to India Times and India Times.

These artefacts highlight broader discussions around restitution of cultural items taken during colonial periods. Critics argue that the "gift" narrative does not acknowledge the coercive contexts under which the items were acquired, with many Indigenous leaders calling for a more comprehensive review of artefacts still held in Vatican collections. Bobby Cameron, chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, emphasized the cultural significance of these items as crucial for "the healing journey for many residential school survivors," according to SCMP and BBC.

The return of these artefacts is seen as part of a broader push for truth and reconciliation following decades of abuse within the residential school system, which sought to assimilate Indigenous children. As part of ongoing efforts, the Canadian government and Indigenous groups will facilitate ceremonious returns. Canada's Foreign Minister hailed the act as a vital step toward justice and reconciliation, reflecting Canada’s commitment to addressing past wrongs, according to India Times and India Times.