<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><img border="0" width="141" height="59" id="m_-1403412360838699297m_-6798594720148737807m_7317746094743612338m_3143704452786385453Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:ii_19a84f8aac04cff311" alt="British Columbia Ministry of Tourism - North Star Strategic Group" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 1.4687in; height: 0.6145in;"></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Greetings,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:2pt"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and the Repatriation Steering Committee are pleased to invite </span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">heritage-holding organizations and institutions </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">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. <i>Declaration Act</i> Action Plan - <i>Action 4.33: Co-develop a policy framework to support repatriation initiatives</i>. Your input is vital in shaping standards, supports, and processes for respectful repatriation in B.C.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:2pt"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Session Dates and Times<u></u><u></u></span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Session will be facilitated by Patrick Kelly</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"> from Leq:amel First Nation and attended by the Repatriation Steering Committee Co-chairs Bob (Galagame’) Chamberlin and Claire Avison.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:12pt"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">We are offering two options to attend a virtual session. Please choose the session which best accommodates your schedule.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="472" style="width:353.9pt;border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td width="94" valign="top" style="width:70.6pt;border:1pt solid windowtext;background:rgb(0,32,96);padding:0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a name="m_-1403412360838699297_m_-6798594720148737807_m_7317746094743612338_m_3143704452786385453__Hlk199148718"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:white">Location</span></a><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td><td width="245" valign="top" style="width:184.05pt;border-top:1pt solid windowtext;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-left:none;background:rgb(0,32,96);padding:0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:white">Date</span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:99.25pt;border-top:1pt solid windowtext;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-left:none;background:rgb(0,32,96);padding:0in"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:white">Time<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td></tr><tr style="height:3.5pt"><td width="94" style="width:70.6pt;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-left:1pt solid windowtext;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt;height:3.5pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:0in"><b><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Virtual<u></u><u></u></span></b></p></td><td></td><td width="245" style="width:184.05pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;padding:0in 5.4pt;height:3.5pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:0in"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Thursday, December 10, 2025<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:99.25pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;padding:0in;height:3.5pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:7.25pt"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">9:00am - 12:00pm<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td width="94" style="width:70.6pt;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-left:1pt solid windowtext;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:0in"><b><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Virtual<u></u><u></u></span></b></p></td><td></td><td width="245" style="width:184.05pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;padding:0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:0in"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Monday, January 19, 2026<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td><td width="132" valign="top" style="width:99.25pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:1pt solid windowtext;border-right:1pt solid windowtext;padding:0in"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:7.25pt"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">9:00am - 12:00pm<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></h3><h3><a href="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$" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99);text-decoration-line:none"><img border="0" width="190" height="72" id="m_-1403412360838699297m_-6798594720148737807m_7317746094743612338m_3143704452786385453_x0000_i1026" src="cid:ii_19a84f8aac05b16b22" alt="Graphical user interface

Description automatically generated with medium confidence" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 1.9791in; height: 0.75in;"></span></a><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></b></h3><h3><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:8pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></h3><h3><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">If you are interested in participating in one of these sessions, please register via the link above. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><u></u><u></u></span></h3><h3><b><span style="font-size:8pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></h3><p style="margin:0in;vertical-align:baseline"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">You can also copy and paste this link into your browser:</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;break-after:avoid"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99)"><a href="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$" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/engagement-on-repatriation-policy-framework-co-development-hho-tickets-1968878907814?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></span><span style="color:rgb(31,55,99)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;break-after:avoid"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99)"><br>More Information</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:13.65px"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">More information about the sessions can be found in the attached backgrounder and by visiting </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/arts-and-culture-initiatives/repatriation-policy-framework__;!!LrtpDXzYYXbpWnw!6ox1SyfkH2F6k-0j78T6M5yQTGSBH2nap88_yNqGnPPX7QjVhbBibghYviizUM4ytUW81gskTuxCHlt9UdIF$" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/arts-and-culture-initiatives/repatriation-policy-framework</span></a></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">.</span><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:12pt;line-height:16.8px;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="margin:0in"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99)">Who Should Attend</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><br></span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">These sessions are open to all heritage-holding organizations and institutions </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">such as universities, museums, and archaeological repositories in B.C. and their staff, leadership, and representatives</span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">. Please forward this email to others in the sector who may be interested in attending.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(50,62,79)"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:8pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></h3><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Why Attend?<u></u><u></u></span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Your participation will:<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-top:0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:7pt;margin-bottom:7pt;margin-left:15px"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Help shape a </span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">provincial Repatriation Policy Framework</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:7pt;margin-bottom:7pt;margin-left:15px"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Inform how heritage-holding organizations will engage with First Nations in support of repatriation.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:7pt;margin-bottom:7pt;margin-left:15px"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Identify priorities, barriers, resources, and pathways to returning Ancestors and Cultural Belongings to First Nations in British Columbia.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:7pt;margin-bottom:7pt;margin-left:15px"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Provide feedback on organizational accountability and supporting cultural safety.<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:8pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></h3><p style="margin:0in"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99)">Other Ways to Provide Feedback</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:rgb(50,62,79)"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">If you are unable to join a session, we welcome comments on the Policy Framework in alternate ways:<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-top:0in"><li style="margin-left:0in;color:rgb(49,49,50);line-height:14.95px"><b><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">Written:</span></b><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext"> Email feedback is also accepted at </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color:windowtext"><a href="mailto:admin@mahihkan.ca" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">admin@mahihkan.ca</span></a></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">,</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"> with subject line <i>“Repatriation Policy Framework Feedback”</i></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext"> </span><b><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">until March 13, 2026</span></b><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">.</span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li style="margin-left:0in;color:rgb(49,49,50);line-height:14.95px"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">Focussed Group Sessions</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">: Request to be contacted about Focussed Group Sessions and other opportunities to connect directly in 2026. Please contact </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color:windowtext"><a href="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$" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">admin@mahihkan.ca</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif;color:windowtext">. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></h3><h3><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Questions<u></u><u></u></span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">If you have any questions or would like to connect about the engagement sessions, please contact Vanessa Ong at 250-574-7638 or </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="mailto:admin@mahihkan.ca" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">admin@mahihkan.ca</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p>Mahihkan Management is pleased to be supporting the Province of B.C. for these upcoming sessions. <span lang="EN-CA">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p><span lang="EN-CA"> <u></u><u></u></span></p><p><span lang="EN-CA">We look forward to learning with you and building a respectful and supportive path forward.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p><span lang="EN-CA"> <u></u><u></u></span></p><p><span lang="EN-CA">Thank you,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p><span lang="EN-CA"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><img border="0" width="582" height="149" id="m_-1403412360838699297m_-6798594720148737807m_7317746094743612338m_3143704452786385453Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:ii_19a84f8aac06917eb3" alt="A close up of a signature

AI-generated content may be incorrect." class="gmail-CToWUd gmail-a6T" tabindex="0" style="cursor: pointer; outline: 0px; width: 6.0625in; height: 1.552in;"></span></p></div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)">Lorenda Calvert<br>Programs Manager</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><font size="1">Pronouns: she/her. To learn why pronouns are important, click <a href="https://equity.ubc.ca/resources/gender-diversity/pronouns/" target="_blank">here</a></font></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(136,136,136)">The BC Museums Association office is located on the traditional, unceded lands of the </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/275788251" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">Lekwungen</a><span style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"> peoples (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations). We respect past, present, and future Indigenous stewards and recognize that we are uninvited guests on this territory.</span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p></div><div><p style="margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:1pt;margin-left:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(237,125,49)">BC Museums Association || 675 Belleville Street  || Victoria, BC || V8W 1A1</span></p><p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);margin:0in 0in 1pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"><span style="color:rgb(237,125,49);font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14.66px"><a href="http://www.museum.bc.ca/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">museum.bc.ca</a></span></p><p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);margin:0in 0in 1pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"><br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>