(October 20, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to media reports that sacred First Nations items currently in the Vatican Museum will be repatriated by December 2025.
“The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is in discussions to repatriate a number of First Nations items from the Vatican Museum,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “There are many logistical issues that need to be addressed, as well as important matters around First Nations protocols to ensure the return and transfer of sacred items is done in the proper way. For First Nations, these items are not artifacts. They are living, sacred pieces of our cultures and ceremonies and must be treated as the invaluable objects that they are. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of all the parties involved as this work is very important to First Nations. To minimize the possibility of misinformation around this logistically complicated matter, we will only announce further details once confirmed.”
-30-
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]