"My Precious"

Museum collections and repatriation of cultural objects

Chad Hellenius

Repatriation has become something of a buzzword in the media these days; however, it’s important to move past empty words when we have these conversations. As Jordan Coble from the Sncewips Heritage Museum summarized, “Repatriation is not just a word, but a call to action.”1 Some in the general public might be confused as to why it is so important for museums to return cultural objects to the communities to which they belong. After all, aren’t museums safeguarding these cultural treasures and doing a valuable service by educating the masses about various cultures around the globe? Well, the truth of the matter is yes—sometimes, sort of—but all too often, the answer is, sadly, a resounding no. More importantly, it’s essential to keep in mind how these pieces of people’s culture…

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British Columbia History (Digital) - 1 Issue, 58.1 Spring 2025

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