The Royal BC Museum announced a $500,000 grant earlier this month to help First Nations communities recover cultural artifacts, ancestral remains and burial items, as well as intangible cultural heritage like songs, stories and language recordings from museums. Some of these items can be found in museums around the world.
Chilkat blanket, First People Gallery, Royal British Columbia Museum, 2013. Photo: Wolfgang Sauber.
Repatriation grants are available to First Nations in British Columbia and associated organizations, such as cultural societies and repatriation committees.
The Province of British Columbia, which in 2016 allocated $2 million to the Royal BC Museum to develop a First Nations department and repatriation program, has made the grants possible.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare said, “These grants distributed by the Royal BC Museum are a step towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Returning ancestral remains and cultural objects is essential to recognizing historical wrongs and honouring the rich traditions of BC’s history. This is important work that promotes healing and well-being for all British Columbians.”
Each grant awarded could be up to $30,000. Applicants may submit one application only. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m., May 31, 2018.
