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On March 1, Bill 2, the First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Objects Repatriation Act, received first reading in the provincial legislature. The new legislation, the first of its kind in Canada, will pave the way for the province to relinquish any legal claim to sacred ceremonial objects currently in the collections of both the Glenbow Museum and the Provincial Museum of Alberta. The repatriation process actually began prior to introduction of the legislation, with Premier Ralph Klein signing an agreement in January, allowing the Glenbow Museum to return 251 ceremonial objects to the Blackfoot.
Prior to the new bill being read in the legislature, an invocation ceremony was held in the rotunda of the legislative building, as chiefs and Elders from across the province looked on.
During the invocation ceremony, Premier Klein said he was "proud and happy" to be taking part in the day's proceedings, and asked the Elders for their blessing "so we can do this right."
"This legislation will help to reconcile and bring harmony by bridging the gap between First Nations' communities and museums, both of which have roles in the teaching and preservation of Native culture and traditions," he said. "Together we can protect these sacred ceremonial objects for generations to come, so their role in the living traditions of First Nations people can continue."
Drummers from the Alexander First Nation also took part. Frank Weasel Head from the Blood First Nation opened the ceremony with a prayer, Jerry Potts Jr. from the Peigan First Nation sang an Honor Song following Premier Klein's speech. A second Honor Song was sung by Martin Heavy Head from the Blood tribe.
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