The Canadian Museum of History recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples and supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Repatriation has been at the heart of that commitment for more than two generations.
At the Canadian Museum of History, repatriation means the return of belongings and Ancestors, without condition, to the community of origin.
Repatriation at the Museum
For over five decades, we have responded to requests for repatriation on a regular basis. We also undertake the repatriation of Ancestors and belongings proactively, reaching out to communities to return them home.
While most of the repatriations carried out to date have been within Canada, we also undertake international repatriations.
There are no requirements for a community to house returned belongings in a museum-like facility. The cost of repatriation is borne by the Museum.
In addition to repatriation, the Museum strives to ensure that Indigenous people have decision-making authority over their belongings and Ancestors while they are in our care. This can take many forms, including shared authority agreements, custodial arrangement agreements, and long-term loans.
Paths to repatriation
Repatriation of belongings and Ancestors is a priority for the Museum and happens in various ways.
As a Crown corporation, the Museum participates in federal treaty and self-government negotiations across the country and returns cultural material to Indigenous governments through that process.
Indigenous persons, governments, and organizations can also make direct requests for repatriation.
The Museum’s Sacred Materials Project has been active since 1993. It facilitates on-site visits by Indigenous community members to:
- identify sacred material housed at the Museum,
- advise on traditional care and handling,
- undertake appropriate ceremonial care, and
- discuss repatriation.
A dedicated storage and ceremonial space allow for respectful and appropriate traditional care, visits, and repatriation discussions.
For more details about the repatriation process, see our Repatriation Policy. General inquiries can be directed to the Repatriation division at repatriation@historymuseum.ca.
Repatriation policies and documents
In repatriation and other matters related to Indigenous belongings and cultural heritage, the Museum is guided by:
- Our mandate
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Framework for Indigenous Relations (2020)
- Repatriation Policy (2026)
- Policy on Human Remains (2026)
- Research Policy (2026)