Vatican expected to return dozens of Indigenous artifacts
The artifacts could be returned to Indigenous communities in Canada by 2026
The Vatican is expected to announce the return of dozens of Indigenous artifacts from its Anima Mundi museum back to Indigenous communities in Canada. The artifacts, including an Inuit kayak, could be returned by the end of the year, according to reporting done by Associated Press.
Negotiations for the return of the artifacts began in 2022, when Pope Francis met with Indigenous leaders to apologize for the church’s role in supporting residential boarding schools. During their visit, the leaders asked that the artifacts be returned to the community as a gesture of reconciliation.
Vatican and Canadian officials said they expect the announcement to occur in the coming weeks.
October 23, 2025- Nicole Winfield, Associated Press, Vatican will return dozens of artifacts to Indigenous groups in Canada as gesture of reconciliation ()