The University of Manitoba has publicly apologized to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit descendant communities for inappropriately acquiring and housing Indigenous ancestral remains, burial belongings, and cultural heritage for over a century. UManitoba President Dr Michael Benarroch apologized during a rematriation and repatriation ceremony, saying that “these actions broke a basic principle of our shared humanity.” “For generations, colonial mindsets at our university have harmed and caused immense pain to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people,” said Benarroch. “For too long, we took, held and wielded power that was not ours to begin with. We dehumanized Indigenous peoples to justify our behaviour and failed to recognize their sovereignty and dignity.” UManitoba has completed a two-year process to create a new policy on rematriation and repatriation, which was recently implemented. The repatriation committee is now contacting communities to return the remains.
