Perth Museum takes steps toward repatriation of Indigenous belongings

The Perth Museum is taking steps toward the potential repatriation of Indigenous belongings held in its collection, beginning with a detailed review of their histories and origins.

Over the past year, museum staff have undertaken the first phase of a project focused on identifying, documenting and researching Indigenous belongings in the collection. The first phase of the Perth Museum’s project was funded through the Government of Canada’s Museum Assistance Program, according to a release from the Town of Perth issued on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.

Town officials say the work is intended to lay the groundwork for future consultation with Indigenous communities and, where appropriate, the return of belongings to their communities of origin.

“Every belonging in our collection has a story, but in some cases, we don’t yet know enough about that story or the community it may be connected to,” said Kathryn Jamieson, manager of tourism and culture. “Our responsibility is not simply to care for these belongings while they are here. It is to better understand how they came into our care, to listen and learn, and to be prepared to work respectfully with Indigenous communities about what should happen next.”

As part of the initial work, museum staff have created a comprehensive inventory of Indigenous belongings, researched their histories and potential communities of origin, documented their condition and, in certain cases, improved their storage and care.

According to town officials, Indigenous belongings that were previously on display at the museum have also been removed from exhibit while staff establish a framework to guide further research and collections management.

To continue the work, the museum is now preparing a grant application to support the next phase of the project. That phase is expected to include additional research, improved access to collection information, and outreach and consultation with Indigenous communities to help inform decisions about the future care of the belongings and whether they should be returned to their original communities.

“This isn’t work that happens quickly, and it shouldn’t,” Jamieson stated. “It requires care, respect and relationship-building. We are still learning, and this first phase gives us a much stronger foundation for the conversations that need to happen next.”

The project is particularly timely as it communities across the country are preparing to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. The release noted that the work at the Perth Museum is one part of the Town of Perth’s broader commitment to learning and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.

More information about Indigenous reconciliation in Perth and the work underway at the Museum is available at Perth.ca/Reconciliation.