In a powerful act of cultural resurgence and healing, Gitxaała Nation has welcomed the return of 23 ancestral treasures from the Royal BC Museum, following years of research, collaboration, and community advocacy.
The returned items, some dating back over 150 years, were ceremonially brought back to the coastal community of Lax Klan on July 8th by five staff members from the Victoria-based museum. The event was led by Gitxaała’s Language and Culture Department and its repatriation project, Ha’amwaal Łagyigyedm Gitxaała—translated as “Cultural Treasures of Gitxaała Ancestors.”
One of the most significant items returned is a hayetsk—a traditional copper shield—that once belonged to Chief Paul Ts’ibasaa, a prominent Gitxaała leader who was among four hereditary chiefs accused of piracy and murder in 1872 during colonial-era crackdowns on Indigenous governance. The shield was taken following a controversial trial presided over by Judge Matthew Begbie, known historically as “The Hanging Judge.” The artifact eventually ended up in the hands of a provincial police representative, whose family later sold it to the Royal BC Museum.
The ceremonial return was deeply emotional, featuring traditional songs, drumming, dancing, and the cleansing of the items with traditional medicines by Gitxaała elders and hereditary leaders. The community gathered for a feast at the William Shaw Memorial Gym, where Gitxaała artist William Cooper presented original artwork depicting the hayetsk. Guests were gifted black hoodies featuring the design and the Sm’algyax phrase Ha’amwaal Łagyigyedm Gitxaała.
Cultural Coordinator Warren Nelson (Gwil Gaawdi) described the return as a symbolic rekindling of identity and unity for Gitxaała people, especially its youth and elders. The event also marked a moment of reconciliation between the Nation and the Royal BC Museum, whose staff joined the community for the celebration.
The repatriation project began in 2018 and has since identified more than 100 Gitxaała cultural belongings housed in museums around the world. With support from Heritage Canada’s Museum Assistance Program and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, the Nation continues to work with over 20 institutions to bring these cultural treasures home.
The 23 returned items are now displayed at the Gitxaała Language and Culture Office in Lax Klan, where they will be preserved for future generations and serve as a vital connection to Gitxaała history, identity, and resilience.
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