Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC)

RRRC at UM involves returning Indigenous Ancestors and Belongings that were taken and/or held by the university without consent to First Nations, Inuit and Métis descendant communities. This ceremonial work is referred to as "Bringing Our Ancestors Home." 

artwork of a blue sky, green grass and white trees

Background

In late 2020, the Department of Anthropology at the University of Manitoba contacted Elders, Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Knowledge Keepers who work at UM to apologize; and to ask for their help and ongoing guidance and direction regarding Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation of Indigenous Ancestors and Belongings.

The group received the department's apology, and agreed to form the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony Council (RRRC Council) to assist the university in this work.

RRRC Council gives guidance and direction on:

  • How to respectfully care for Ancestors while identification work is underway
  • Urging the university to return and rebury the Ancestors as quickly as possible
  • Emphasizing the need for the university to accept responsibility for its violent actions and commit to truth-telling
  • Developing a university-wide repatriation policy

Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation is Ceremony and the RRRC Council reminds us that this is also an opportunity for healing from colonial violence.

Bringing Our Ancestors Home: Respectful Rematriation & Repatriation Ceremony

The short film, Bringing Our Ancestors Home, explores the first years of the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC) at the University of Manitoba. The RRRC addresses the widespread colonial violence of the institutionalization of Indigenous Ancestors (remains) without consent, under the guidance of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Elders, Grandmothers, and Grandfathers who guide this work. Watch the short film below.

Commitment to Indigenous descendant communities

The RRRC Council is working closely with University of Manitoba departments and units to support the process of Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation in partnership with descendant communities. This work is guided by ongoing engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders and Elders. 

We remain committed to open, respectful communication with descendant communities. Updates will be posted on this page as this process moves forward. 

To connect directly with one of the RRRC co-chairs, please email Respectful.Rematriation@umanitoba.ca

Formal apology

  • Artwork of a blue sky and yellow sun. By artist Gayle Sinclair

    Artwork by Gayle Sinclair

  • On June 3, 2024, the University of Manitoba apologized publicly for its history related to the inappropriate acquisition and housing of Indigenous ancestral remains, burial belongings and cultural heritage without consent. 

    “The University of Manitoba recognizes that healing begins with this university apologizing to the people we have profoundly hurt and deeply harmed through our actions.”

Progress updates

Expand the tabs below to read progress updates provided by the RRRC Council

Specific details may be withheld to respect the sovereignty and privacy of First Nations, Inuit and Métis descendant communities.

July 2025

This past year has seen much activity for the RRRC, including: 

  • The beginning of returning Ancestors to First Nations in Manitoba and one other province;
  • Ongoing outreach to other First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities regarding the rematriation of Ancestors;
  • Extended internal searches for Ancestors and Belongings at the University;
  • Meetings with several First Nations in Manitoba to plan rematriation of Belongings;
  • Commemorative art was created in the Fletcher Argue Building;
  • Renovations for the Good Heart Centre (Cante Waste Tipi) for rematriating Belongings has begun (estimated opening 2027).
  • In May 2025, the RRRC organized an All Nations ‘Bringing Our Ancestors Home’ Gathering at Anish Healing Centre in Winnipeg to discuss respectful rematriation for Ancestors whose Nations are unknown. Over 40 Elder and Counsellor representatives from AMC, SCO, MKO, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Ka Ni Kanichihk, the University of Manitoba, and several First Nations were in attendance. Participants expressed a need to assume a shared responsibility for the Ancestors and urged collaboration between all Nations for their reburial.

July 2024

Following guidance of the RRRC Council:

  • Appropriate protocols and care have been adopted, including moving all Ancestors to a temporary and private resting room until they can be returned and reburied;
  • engagements with descendant communities are ongoing, with rematriation efforts now underway;
  • truth-telling has begun through historical research and Indigenous artistic creation;
  • including a timeline, documentary film and a historical novel;
  • a University of Manitoba policy on repatriation was written by a Working Circle comprised of Indigenous scholars, Indigenous community representatives and other UM community members.
  • On June 3, 2024 the University of Manitoba will publicly apologize to First Nations, Métis and Inuit descendant communities for its history related to the inappropriate acquisition and housing of Indigenous ancestral remains, burial belongings and cultural heritage without consent.

Resources

For support

The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-855-242-3310 or via online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. This service is available 24/7 in English and French and upon request in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.

News and stories

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Contact us

Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada

respectful.rematriation@umanitoba.ca

Miigwech, Ekosi, Kinan’askomitin, Marsee, Pidamaya ye, Masi Cho, Qujannamiik, Nakurmiik.