University of Manitoba to repatriate hundreds of Indigenous human remains | APTN News

Summary

The University of Manitoba publicly apologized for its historical collection of Indigenous ancestral remains, calling it inappropriate and a failure to uphold its ideals. President Michael Benash announced the immediate start of repatriation efforts, acknowledging past wrongs, including the use of remains and artifacts in educational settings without consent. Lucy Bell, co-founder of the Haida Repatriation Committee, highlighted the emotional toll of handling ancestral remains as she prepares to repatriate four more ancestors. The hope is that other institutions will follow suit in returning remains to their communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The University of Manitoba publicly apologized for its historical collection of Indigenous ancestral remains, acknowledging this practice as inappropriate.
• 😀 University President Michael Benash stated that the process of rematriating and repatriating human remains and burial artifacts will start immediately.
• 😀 The collection of Indigenous remains began in the early 20th century and was often done without consent from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities.
• 😀 Items were acquired through various means, including some being brought in by the RCMP.
• 😀 The collection practices continued until the early 1980s, reflecting a long history of disregard for Indigenous rights.
• 😀 Lucy Bell, co-chair of the Haida Repatriation Committee, expressed the emotional weight of handling the remains of ancestors.
• 😀 Bell has been instrumental in repatriating over 500 sets of remains to Haida Gwaii over the past 30 years.
• 😀 The act of repatriation is described as difficult and never easy, highlighting the ongoing trauma associated with these remains.
• 😀 There is hope that other institutions, such as Simon Fraser University, will follow the University of Manitoba's lead in returning ancestral remains.
• 😀 The ceremony reflecting these emotions marked a significant moment of atonement for the University, signaling a commitment to addressing past wrongs.

Q & A

What is the University of Manitoba apologizing for?

The University of Manitoba is publicly apologizing for its collection of Indigenous ancestral remains, which it now recognizes as inappropriate.

Who is the president of the University of Manitoba?

Michael Benash is the president of the University of Manitoba.

What actions will the university take following the apology?

The university will start the process of rematriating and repatriating the human remains and burial artifacts immediately.

How did the University of Manitoba acquire Indigenous remains and artifacts?

The university acquired these remains and artifacts through various means, including some being brought to them by the RCMP, and the collection began in the early 20th century.

What was the impact of the remains being stored at the university?

The remains were used in classrooms and laboratories, and sometimes displayed, without the consent of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis families and communities.

Who is Lucy Bell, and what is her role?

Lucy Bell is the co-chair and co-founder of the Haida Repatriation Committee, and she has been involved in bringing ancestral remains back to Haida Gwaii for over 30 years.

How many sets of remains has Lucy Bell helped bring home?

As of 2021, Lucy Bell has helped bring home more than 500 sets of remains.

What are some of the emotional reactions observed during the ceremony?

The ceremony elicited a range of emotions, with participants reflecting on the horrific reality of ancestors being stored inappropriately.

What does Lucy Bell hope for other institutions holding ancestral remains?

Lucy Bell hopes that other institutions, such as Simon Fraser University, will follow the University of Manitoba's example in returning ancestral remains.

What does 'rematriation' and 'repatriation' refer to in this context?

In this context, 'rematriation' and 'repatriation' refer to the process of returning Indigenous ancestral remains and burial artifacts to their respective communities.