Historic Inuvialuit Kayak Repatriated from Vatican After 100 Years

The historic return of a significant Inuvialuit kayak from the Vatican Museums marks a pivotal moment for Indigenous heritage in Canada. After being held for a century, the kayak, along with 61 other cultural objects, is set to arrive in Montreal on December 6, 2023. This repatriation is the culmination of extensive negotiations involving various Indigenous groups and the Vatican.

Darrell Nasogaluak, an Inuvialuit from Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories, recognizes the kayak as a unique artifact of his culture. “It’s distinctive to our area,” he noted, highlighting the curved tips that are emblematic of Inuvialuit craftsmanship. The kayak, which has been preserved at the Vatican, bears the marks of its extensive use, including oil stains that attest to its historical significance.

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) has spearheaded efforts to reclaim this kayak, viewing it as a vital piece of their cultural identity. According to Duane Smith, IRC chair and chief executive officer, the kayak embodies the history and traditions that have shaped the Inuvialuit way of life. “This is part of our history, our culture,” he emphasized, pointing out that the kayak originates from an area known as Kitigaaryuit, which is recognized as a national historic site by Canada.

The repatriation process began in earnest in 2022 when Indigenous delegates visited Rome, meeting with Pope Francis and touring the Vatican Museums. During this visit, they identified the kayak, prompting further discussions about its return. Smith remarked on the Vatican’s acknowledgment of past injustices, stating, “They’re trying to reconcile and together we have come to this process as one form of reconciliation.”

Initially focused solely on the kayak, the negotiations expanded to include 62 cultural objects from Inuit, First Nations, and Métis origins. This collaboration involved multiple organizations, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). The Vatican, alongside the CCCB, expressed that these items symbolize a commitment to dialogue, respect, and fraternity.

The kayak’s journey to the Vatican began in 1925 when Roman Catholic missionaries sent it along with an estimated 100,000 cultural items from various Indigenous communities. This collection was intended to demonstrate the church’s openness to diverse cultures. However, the circumstances surrounding the kayak’s acquisition remain unclear, with some suggesting it may have been taken rather than given.

Smith reflects on the kayak’s significance in the Inuvialuit community, particularly as a tool for hunting beluga whales. He noted, “To give your most valuable tool away during the most crucial time would not allow you to harvest your beluga to feed your family.” He further explained that traditionally, hunters were buried with their tools, which raises questions about how these artifacts ended up in the Vatican’s collection.

As the kayak and other items make their way back to Canada, they will be housed temporarily at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, where Indigenous leaders will assess their future. Although the kayak will not return directly to the Inuvialuit region initially, it is crucial for its preservation. Smith stated, “We want to make sure that it’s preserved to the extent that it should be so that it’s not further damaged.”

The return of the kayak has sparked excitement among the Inuvialuit. Nasogaluak, who learned the traditional craft of kayak building from his grandfather, views this event as an opportunity to revive cultural practices. “We’re going to have an opportunity to finally own one again,” he remarked, expressing hope for a resurgence in traditional kayaking techniques.

As the cultural objects arrive in Montreal, this moment not only represents a reconnection with the past but also a step towards healing and reconciliation. The collaboration between the IRC, ITK, and the Vatican illustrates a growing recognition of Indigenous rights and the importance of cultural heritage. The return of the kayak serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Inuvialuit people and their ongoing commitment to preserving their cultural identity.