Vatican Returns Historic Inuvialuit Kayak After 100 Years

A historic Inuvialuit kayak, held by the Vatican for the past century, is set to return to its home in the western Arctic. The kayak, unique to the Inuvialuit culture, is among 62 sacred and cultural objects being repatriated from the Vatican Museums to Canada, with an arrival date scheduled for December 6, 2023.

Darrell Nasogaluak, a resident of Tuktoyuktuk, Northwest Territories, expressed pride in the kayak’s craftsmanship. He remarked, “It’s unique to this area and there’s no other area that used them that had the same horn.” The kayak features distinctive curved tips at its bow and stern, allowing for easy identification from a distance.

The repatriation follows extensive negotiations led by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), which has worked alongside the federal government and Indigenous organizations to secure the return of this culturally significant item. Duane Smith, the IRC Chair and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “It’s a part of our history, our culture and what it means to the Inuvialuit.”

Negotiations and Significance

The kayak is believed to have originated from an area known as Kitigaaryuit, recognized by Canada as a national historic site. The IRC’s efforts to bring the kayak home began in earnest in 2022, coinciding with a historic visit to the Vatican by Indigenous delegates from Canada. During this visit, they met with Pope Francis and toured the Vatican Museums, where the kayak was on display.

Smith highlighted the importance of the kayak, which was designed for hunting beluga whales in the Mackenzie Delta. He recalled stories of up to 250 kayaks being used at once before a pandemic severely impacted the Inuvialuit population. The kayak’s construction reflects the ingenuity of the Inuvialuit, made from local driftwood, sealskin, and sinew, tailored to the hunter’s build for optimal performance.

The negotiations expanded beyond the kayak after the Vatican expressed interest in returning additional items. As a result, the final agreement included a total of 62 cultural objects, featuring items from Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities.

Historical Context and Future Plans

The kayak was sent to the Vatican in 1925 by Roman Catholic missionaries, along with approximately 100,000 artifacts from around the world. The missionaries claimed the items were part of an exhibition to showcase Indigenous cultures, but the nature of their acquisition remains disputed. Smith noted that the kayak, being an essential tool for survival, likely would not have been willingly given away by the Inuvialuit.

As the kayak returns to Canada, it will initially be housed at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, where representatives from the IRC and the Assembly of First Nations will oversee its examination. The decision on its final resting place will involve consultation with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis leaders.

Nasogaluak is optimistic about the kayak’s return, stating, “We’re going to have an opportunity to finally own one again. It may spark a revival of the use of them.” He emphasized the need for a proper facility in the Inuvialuit region to preserve this significant cultural artifact.

In summary, the return of this Inuvialuit kayak marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous history and culture. As the process unfolds, it symbolizes not only a restoration of heritage but also a commitment to preserving the traditions and craftsmanship of the Inuvialuit people.