AMC, AFN and MKO Call for Immediate Repatriation of First Nations Cultural, Ceremonial and Sacred Items

Press Release

May 1, 2025

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) are joining the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) in calling for the immediate return of cultural, ceremonial and sacred items held by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and other institutions in Canada and internationally.

The AMC raised this issue following HBC’s disclosure under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) of its plans to auction thousands of artifacts. The AMC issued a formal notice to the Court-appointed Monitor and has called for the halt to the sale or transfer of any artifacts linked to First Nations, Full public disclosure of all items under consideration, a First Nations-led review process and clear commitments toward repatriation, shared stewardship and long-term protection of First Nations cultural property.

“Some of the items proposed for auction may have significant historical and cultural value to First Nations across Canada,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “The AFN joins the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak in seeking a full understanding of how these artifacts were acquired and catalogued by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Many may have been obtained during Canada’s colonial period, the fur trade and the numbered treaty eras. They may represent not only tangible links to our ancestors, but vital and genuine aspects of First Nations’ cultural heritage and identity.”

AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson emphasized that First Nations have never ceded ownership or decision-making authority over these items. “This is not about goodwill. It’s about justice and jurisdiction. These pieces belong with our Nations, not locked away or sold off to the highest bidder. Repatriation must be led by First Nations, grounded in First Nation law and guided by our Elders and Knowledge Keepers.”

“Our northern First Nations laid the foundation for the success of the Hudson’s Bay Company, starting with the first fur-trading post at York Factory in 1684. Our history is woven into the fabric of HBC’s beginnings, and reclaiming these artifacts is essential to honour and preserve the contributions and heritage of our ancestors,” said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

In unity AMC, AFN and MKO jointly demand that HBC, all government institutions, religious entities and private collectors to work directly with First Nations to identify, review and return items of significance and co-develop enforceable legislation to protect and repatriate First Nations cultural property in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

First Nations leadership is united in protecting and reclaiming what was taken. These items must be returned to the Nations where they belong.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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