The Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton will be returning some Indigenous cultural artifacts . In total, seven objects will be returned to the ownership of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.  

“Returning culturally significant artifacts to the communities they came from is a necessary and important step towards reconciliation. Alberta’s government and the Royal Alberta Museum are committed to working with Indigenous communities to honour the significance of Indigenous artifacts and the stories they tell,” said MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka and Minister of Culture, Ron Orr.  

The Treaty 8 medal and its leather strap were physically returned while the remaining five objects will be on loan to the Royal Alberta Museum for preservation purposes as they are larger, fragile and difficult to move. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has approved these items remaining at the museum and can choose to move these objects at any time. 

“This is a great example of what’s possible when we work together. There is still much to do to repatriate additional items but we thank Minister Orr for recognizing the importance of returning these pieces of ACFN history. Marsi cho,” said Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.  

The Royal Alberta Museum consults with Indigenous communities and leaders on an ongoing basis to ensure Indigenous objects and stories in its galleries are shared and cared for appropriately or returned to their rightful owners. To honour the unique relationship between Indigenous Peoples of Alberta and the Crown, the museum offers free admission to Indigenous Peoples.