The Tsilhqot’in National Government in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver have completed the repatriation of over 60 ancestral belongings back to the territory.
The items include 29 coiled root baskets, 29 stone tools, one birch bark knife sheath embroidered with dyed porcupine quill, and a pair of snowshoes made from wood, rawhide and sinew.
Of those items, some are currently on display at the TNG Dasiqox office in Williams Lake.
Chief Joe Alphonse stated “these objects have now reconnected with our people after more than a century. Our people, particularly our youth, have taken immense pride in the strength of our people represented in the baskets. These objects an amazing showcase of the strength of the Tsilhqot’in people.”
Back in February, a delegation of elders, youth, children, Women’s Council members and former Tsilhqot’in leaders traveled to Vancouver to bring the belongings back home.
Mauro Vescera, CEO of the Museum of Vancouver stated “We are committed to reconciliation, redress and decolonizing the organization. this significant repatriation to the Tsilhqot’in Nation is a valuable step in this important ongoing work.”
“Celebrating Tsilhqot’in Repatriation” will be part of an exhibition titled The Work of Repair scheduled to open in the spring at the Museum of Vancouver.
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