Darrell Nasogaluak, a resident of Tuktoyuktuk in the western Arctic, possesses the ability to recognize kayaks originating from his region by distinct features such as curved horn-like tips at the bow and stern. These unique characteristics were exclusive to the Inuvialuit people before the establishment of settlements over a century ago.
A particular kayak, now housed at the Vatican Museums for a century, is being repatriated to the Inuvialuit community after extensive negotiations. This repatriation marks a significant return of 62 sacred and cultural items, including artifacts from Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities, from the Vatican’s extensive archives, with the items scheduled to arrive in Montreal this Saturday.
Nasogaluak hails from the Mackenzie Delta region, where the kayak is believed to have originated. He emphasizes the exceptional craftsmanship of the kayak—a watercraft invented by the Inuit—with his grandfather passing down the art of kayak construction to him. Nasogaluak now imparts this knowledge to youth, collaborating with elders and women skilled in sewing the waterproof stitch.
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) spearheaded the efforts to repatriate the kayak, considering it a vital part of their heritage and culture. Duane Smith, IRC’s chair and CEO, emphasized the significance of the kayak originating from Kitigaaryuit, a recognized national historic site in Canada, showcasing the Inuvialuit’s contribution to shaping Canada’s identity.
Negotiations for repatriating the kayak commenced in 2022 during a historic Indigenous delegation visit to Rome, where they met with Pope Francis and toured the Vatican Museums. The return of the kayak signifies a mutual understanding of past injustices towards Indigenous cultures and serves as a step towards reconciliation.
Initially intended for the repatriation of the kayak, the negotiations expanded to include 60 other cultural items from Inuit and First Nations origins, with the addition of a Métis cultural object as insisted by the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops. This collaboration extended to involve the Assembly of First Nations and the Métis National Council.
The return of these cultural items raises questions about their initial acquisition by the Vatican. While some items were sent by Roman Catholic Missionaries in 1925 for an exhibition, it remains unclear whether they were given as gifts or taken without consent. Smith doubts the kayak was willingly surrendered due to its crucial role in hunting beluga whales for sustenance.
As preparations are made for the items’ journey back to Canada, including permits and logistics, representatives from various Indigenous communities will oversee the return process. The items will undergo examination at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., before their final placement is determined by Inuit, First Nations, and Métis leaders.
Although the kayak will temporarily remain at the museum due to the lack of a suitable facility in the Inuvialuit region, plans are underway to ensure its preservation and accessibility to elders and experts familiar with traditional kayak-building methods. Nasogaluak eagerly anticipates this significant moment in Inuvialuit history, emphasizing the importance of a proper facility to house the returned artifacts.
