Repatriation of Blackfoot Nations sacred items

[admin]

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

August 1, 2009

Supported by its groundbreaking, "first of its kind in Canada legislation", the Alberta government is returning sacred ceremonial items to the three Blackfoot Nations.

Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead, Chief Reg Crowshoe, Chief Leroy Goodeagle and Blackfoot Elders joined Premier Ed Stelmach, and Alberta officials to celebrate the formal repatriation of the Blackfoot sacred bundles - special items of deep spiritual and cultural significance, wrapped in animal skin. They are gradually being returned to the First Nations after being kept in the Glenbow and the Royal Alberta Museums.

Repatriation is made possible with passage and implementation of Alberta's First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Objects Repatriation Act and the First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Objects Amendment Act. The first legislation of its kind in the country, it is intended to place sacred ceremonial objects that are vital to the practice of traditional ceremonies back into active use. The actual return of sacred objects takes place during private spiritual ceremonies.

"We applaud the Government of Alberta for acknowledging and recognizing our Blackfoot cultural values and spiritual beliefs by repatriation of sacred ceremonial objects," stated Grand Chief of Treaty No.7 and Chief of the Kainawa Nation, Charles Weaselhead. "Our communities will continue to benefit from the repatriation of these cultural objects which will go back into ceremonial use. This partnership between two levels of government shows a true commitment in preserving Alberta's cultural history and identity." Chief Reg Crowshoe of Piikani Nation stated, "The return of these sacred objects is important to our community and to performing sacred Blackfoot rituals. We now have more opportunities to carry out the ceremonies that have been part of the Blackfoot way of life for many generations." Chief Good Eagle of Siksika Nation said, "With our sacred ceremonial bundles coming home this will help us reconnect the present with our rich past and I extend Siksika Nation's gratitude to the Alberta government and all those involved in this historic undertaking".

Over 100 bundles and almost 200 sacred ceremonial objects have been officially repatriated to the Blackfoot from the Glenbow Museum and Royal Alberta Museum, and placed into active ceremonial use within the Blackfoot communities.

Sacred bundles are said to contain items given to the Blackfoot by the spirit beings of their world. They are used in ceremonies to renew connections with the spirits and to ask for help from the Creator. By placing sacred bundles back in their communities of origin, repatriation is reinvigorating many cultural and spiritual dimensions of Blackfoot life.