Strategic Priority 1 Funding is sustainable and adaptable to changing needs
Strengthening support for repatriation
MAS builds relationships and capacity in repatriation work
U nderstanding that repatriation, the Museums Association of Saskatchewan (MAS) is working to remove long- standing barriers to repatriation in the province. Guided by the knowledge of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, MAS is moving forward at the “pace of trust”, authentic, trust-based relationships are at the heart of meaningful prioritizing respect, collaboration, and Reconciliation every step of the way. Emma Morris, executive director, MAS, says forming the Elders Circle was key to moving forward. “We’re trying to inform and educate and do this in a good way. As the Elders have told me again and again, ‘We move at the pace of trust,’” she adds. “Not every Rights Holder is going to be immediately ready to take these cultural belongings back, and that’s up to each museum to navigate that. But the important piece is that museums need to be ready to respond to seek advice was one of the first steps MAS took toward building resources to help its members learn how to approach repatriation. Sitting in the Circle currently are Knowledge Keeper Dr. Linda what Rights Holders need.” Forming the Elders Circle to Young, Cy Standing and Sid Fiddler. “Having that high-level guidance
Gabriel Essaunce Lamarche works with museums across Saskatchewan to identify items for repatriation and build relationships with Indigenous communities. Photo by Amber Hanover.
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