RepatriationDaphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art and culture.

Approach

Consistent with the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) recognizes repatriation as an institutional priority. ROM addresses repatriation requests on a case-by-case basis and approaches repatriation as a community-led process, meaning that it integrates community values, needs, and interests in as many phases of the process as possible. ROM seeks specialized guidance from the specific Indigenous Nation or Nations who relate —either through direct descent or treaty rights—to the Ancestors and Ancestral remains currently at the Museum. ROM recognizes and respects Indigenous governance and sovereignty in any and all repatriation discussions and unless instructed otherwise, ROM restricts discussion of repatriation to specific Indigenous governments (including Chiefs and Tribal Councils) or to officially appointed representatives. The dissemination of information related to repatriation at the Museum is at the sole discretion of the Nation or Nations involved in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions