Artifacts returned

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Swan down feathers, symbolizing peace and reconciliation, filled the Mungo Martin Long House in Victoria as Nisga'a Nation Elders slowly paraded the room.

More than 200 Natives, clergy and Anglican congregation members rose to their feet on Dec. 6 for the Elder's traditional prayers which signified the start to the ceremony returning five Nisga'a artifacts to their Nass Valley home in northern British Columbia.

"We will move ahead as a unique people, and negotiate back our land. We are slowly healing, and we have no intention of losing (our) identity or language," said John Gosnell, president of the Nisga'a Tribal Council.

Over a century ago missionaries persuaded the Nisga'a people to chop down their totem poles, burn their regalia, and hand over many items of cultural significance.

Often these items were given to friends of the church as gifts, but over time, the Anglican Diocese came to recognize the importance of the artifacts in maintaining the Nisga'a people's feelings of self worth, identity, and history, said Right Reverend Barry Jenks, the Bishop of the Diocese of British Columbia.

He apologized for mistakes made by the Church years ago, and called for support from all levels in the Nisga'a Nation's fight for self-government and self-determination.

The items, valued at approximately $230,000, had been displayed at Victoria's Christ Church Cathedral after touring Vancouver Island in 1929. Six years ago, the clergy tried to sell the collection to raise money to restore the cathedral. A storm of protest from Native groups forced the church to abandon the sale, and officials started overtures to return the religious and recreational items.

The copper mask, wooden rattle, dance apron, carved mask, and gambling sticks that were returned to the Nisga'a Nation will remain in Victoria until the Nisga'a Cultural Venture is completed in New Aiyansb on Nisga'a territory.