Engagement on Repatriation Policy Framework Co-Development - First Nations

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and the Repatriation Steering Committee are pleased to invite the First Nations in B.C. to provide feedback on the co-development of a provincial Repatriation Policy Framework (the Policy Framework). The Policy Framework will guide how Indigenous Ancestors and Cultural Belongings are respectfully returned to First Nations in British Columbia. This initiative supports the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), and the Declaration Act Action Plan Action 4.33: Co-develop a policy framework to support repatriation initiatives. Your input is vital in shaping standards, supports, and processes for respectful, accountable, and First Nations-led repatriation in B.C.

The Policy Framework is intended to provide provincial guidance, standards, and recommendations that will inform and support the return and governance of Ancestors and Cultural Belongings held in heritage holding organisations in British Columbia to First Nations in British Columbia. It is intended as a first step in a provincial response to complex repatriation needs.

Session Dates and Locations

Each engagement session is designed to reflect and honour the voices, priorities, and protocols of First Nations in B.C. Each session will be facilitated by Patrick Kelly from Leq:amel First Nation and led in a trauma-informed, culturally respectful environment.

We are offering various in-person and virtual sessions. Several options have been provided to best accommodate your schedule and region. Please attend the session in your closest region or consider a virtual option to attend.

In person sessions:

• Prince Rupert, B.C. - Thurs. Sept. 4, 2025 from 9am-12:30pm (Refreshments at 8:30am) Crest Hotel 222 1st Ave. W, Prince Rupert, B.C.
• Fort St. John, B.C. - Tues. Sept. 9, 2025 from 9am-12:30pm (Refreshments at 8:30am) North Peace Cultural Centre 10015 100th Ave. Fort St. John, B.C.
• Prince George, B.C. - Wed. Sept. 10, 2025 from 9am-12:30pm (Refreshments at 8:30am) House of Ancestors 355 Vancouver St., Prince George, B.C.
• Kamloops, B.C. - Mon. Oct. 6, 2025 from 9am-12:30pm (Refreshments at 8:30am) Venue TBD
• Chilliwack, B.C. - Tues. Oct. 14, 2025 from 1pm-4:30pm (Refreshments at 12:30pm) The'í:tselíya Health & Community Center 7256 Chilliwack RIver Road, Chilliwack, B.C.
• Penticton, B.C. - Tues. Oct. 21, 2025 from 9am-12:30pm (Refreshments at 8:30am) Venue TBD
• Nanaimo, B.C. - Mon. Oct. 27, 2025 from 1pm-4:30pm (Refreshments at 12:30pm) Venue TBD

Virtual sessions: (Links will be sent before the event)

• Tues. Nov. 18, 2025 from 1pm-4pm
• Mon. Nov. 24, 2025 from 9am-12pm

More Information

More information about the sessions can be found by visiting: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/arts-and-culture-initiatives/repatriation-policy-framework.

Please download the 3-page Engagement Backgrounder.

Who Should Attend

These sessions are open to all community members, including Elders, leadership and technical staff. Please forward this email to others in your community who may be interested in attending.

Why Attend?

Your participation will:

• Help shape a co-developed Policy Framework grounded in First Nations laws, customs, and governance.
• Inform how Heritage-holding institutions engage with First Nations protocols and relationships.
• Identify priorities, barriers, resources, and pathways to bring Ancestors and Cultural Belongings home.
• Provide direction on institutional accountability and cultural safety.

Other Ways to Provide Feedback

If you are unable to join a session, we welcome comments on the Policy Framework in alternate ways:

· Written: Email feedback is also accepted at admin@mahihkan.ca, with subject line “Repatriation Policy Framework Feedback” until February 20, 2026.

· Focus and One-on-One Sessions: Request to be contacted about Focus Sessions and other opportunities to connect directly in 2026. Please contact admin@mahihkan.ca.

Declaration Act Engagement Fund

Capacity funding is available through the Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) which supports implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and engagement on a government-to-government basis with the Province on strategic, policy and legislative initiatives. The DAEF provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of B.C. To learn more about the DAEF and apply for funding to support engagement, please visit the newrelationshiptrust.ca.

If you are unfunded and need support to attend an in-person engagement session, please contact admin@mahihkan.ca. Limited funding is available.

Questions

If you have any questions or would like to connect about the engagement sessions, please contact Vanessa Ong at 250-574-7638 or admin@mahihkan.ca.

Mahihkan Management is pleased to be supporting the Province of B.C. for these upcoming sessions. We recognize the personal nature of the subject matter. Sessions will be facilitated, with steps taken to create a safe and respectful environment and will be led by Indigenous Facilitator, Patrick Kelly from Leq:amel First Nation.

We look forward to learning with you and building a respectful path forward.