[BCMA] You’re Invited - Provincial Repatriation Policy Framework Co-Development Engagement for Heritage-holding Organizations: Returning Ancestors and Cultural Belongings to First Nations in B.C. | Fall 2025

Mon Nov 24 12:08:48 PST 2025

[image: British Columbia Ministry of Tourism - North Star Strategic Group]

Greetings,

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and the Repatriation
Steering Committee are pleased to invite heritage-holding organizations and
institutions such as universities, museums and archaeological repositories
in B.C. to provide input into the establishment of a provincial
repatriation policy framework (Policy Framework). The Policy Framework will
support and guide the respectful return of Ancestors and Cultural
Belongings to First Nations in British Columbia. This work is a key element
of the B.C. *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 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 from provincial heritage-holding
organisations to First Nations in British Columbia. It is intended as a
first step in a provincial response to complex repatriation needs.

*Session Dates and Times*

Session will be facilitated by Patrick Kelly from Leq:amel First Nation and
attended by the Repatriation Steering Committee Co-chairs Bob (Galagame’)
Chamberlin and Claire Avison.

We are offering two options to attend a virtual session. Please choose the
session which best accommodates your schedule.

Location

Date

Time

*Virtual*

Thursday, December 10, 2025

9:00am - 12:00pm

*Virtual*

Monday, January 19, 2026

9:00am - 12:00pm
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<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.eventbrite.com/e/engagement-on-repatriation-policy-framework-co-development-hho-tickets-1968878907814?aff=oddtdtcreator__;!!LrtpDXzYYXbpWnw!6ox1SyfkH2F6k-0j78T6M5yQTGSBH2nap88_yNqGnPPX7QjVhbBibghYviizUM4ytUW81gskTuxCHknYCNnu$>
 If you are interested in participating in one of these sessions, please
register via the link above.

You can also copy and paste this link into your browser:

*https://www.eventbrite.com/e/engagement-on-repatriation-policy-framework-co-development-hho-tickets-1968878907814?aff=oddtdtcreator
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.eventbrite.com/e/engagement-on-repatriation-policy-framework-co-development-hho-tickets-1968878907814?aff=oddtdtcreator__;!!LrtpDXzYYXbpWnw!6ox1SyfkH2F6k-0j78T6M5yQTGSBH2nap88_yNqGnPPX7QjVhbBibghYviizUM4ytUW81gskTuxCHknYCNnu$>*

*More Information*

More information about the sessions can be found in the attached
backgrounder and by visiting
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/arts-and-culture-initiatives/repatriation-policy-framework
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/arts-and-culture-initiatives/repatriation-policy-framework__;!!LrtpDXzYYXbpWnw!6ox1SyfkH2F6k-0j78T6M5yQTGSBH2nap88_yNqGnPPX7QjVhbBibghYviizUM4ytUW81gskTuxCHlt9UdIF$>
.

*Who Should Attend*
These sessions are open to all heritage-holding organizations and
institutions such as universities, museums, and archaeological repositories
in B.C. and their staff, leadership, and representatives. Please forward
this email to others in the sector who may be interested in attending.
 *Why Attend?*

Your participation will:

   - Help shape a provincial Repatriation Policy Framework.
   - Inform how heritage-holding organizations will engage with First
   Nations in support of repatriation.
   - Identify priorities, barriers, resources, and pathways to returning
   Ancestors and Cultural Belongings to First Nations in British Columbia.
   - Provide feedback on organizational accountability and supporting
   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 at mahihkan.ca, with
   subject line *“Repatriation Policy Framework Feedback”* *until March 13,
   2026*.
   - *Focussed Group Sessions*: Request to be contacted about Focussed
   Group Sessions and other opportunities to connect directly in 2026. Please
   contact admin at mahihkan.ca
   <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/bcgov.sharepoint.com/sites/eapprovals-superapp/LIX/600488ae-3f40-4d67-8fbe-023b639fe540/D/admin@mahihkan.ca__;!!LrtpDXzYYXbpWnw!6ox1SyfkH2F6k-0j78T6M5yQTGSBH2nap88_yNqGnPPX7QjVhbBibghYviizUM4ytUW81gskTuxCHofEnmDF$>
   .

 *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 at mahihkan.ca.

Mahihkan Management is pleased to be supporting the Province of B.C. for
these upcoming sessions. We recognize the sensitive 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 and
supportive path forward.

Thank you,

[image: A close up of a signature AI-generated content may be incorrect.]

-- 

Lorenda Calvert
Programs Manager

Pronouns: she/her. To learn why pronouns are important, click here
<https://equity.ubc.ca/resources/gender-diversity/pronouns/>

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BC Museums Association || 675 Belleville Street  || Victoria, BC || V8W 1A1

museum.bc.ca <http://www.museum.bc.ca/>
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