The True Post(Web News) A historic effort to recover the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada was successful, when two sacred “rib stones” which had been stored in a museum for more than a century were found.
The stones have been returned to the Siksika Nation. The return of these stones is not only important to the spiritual and cultural identity of the Blackfoot Nation, but is also being hailed as a symbolic step in the country’s journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The returned “Ribstones” are centuries-old sacred cultural artifacts, attributed to the ancestors of the Siksika First Nation. The stones are intricately carved and feature the symbolic ribs of animals, particularly bison, which have deep meanings in Blackfoot culture related to spirituality, sustenance, and nature. The Siksika Crossing Historical Park—a cultural museum of the Blackfoot Nation—held a ceremonial celebration of the return, attended by the nation’s elders, youth, and leadership.
“This is not just the return of objects, but the restoration of our history, spirituality, and sovereignty,” said Shannon Bear Chief, the park’s chief executive officer. “These rib stones are connected to our people for generations. Our elders used them for prayer and meditation.” He added that bringing these objects home is nothing less than a spiritual victory for the Siksika Nation. These sacred stones were removed from Blackfoot territory in the late 1800s and early 1900s under unknown circumstances. At that time, colonial policies moved many sacred and cultural objects to museums, universities, and private collections, often without the permission or knowledge of indigenous peoples. The two stones were later placed at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, where they were on display as “cultural artifacts.”
In early 2025, a high-level delegation from the Blackfoot Nation visited Ottawa to inspect the artifacts in the museum. After months of negotiations between the museum administration and local leadership, the artifacts were officially confirmed as belonging to the Siksika Nation. The museum then formally returned the artifacts under a formal agreement. A spiritual ceremony was also held upon their return, with prayers and cultural songs performed according to local traditions.
The move is being seen as a major effort to recognize the rights and cultural autonomy of indigenous peoples in Canada. The Siksika Nation, along with many other First Nations, have been demanding the return of their sacred objects and ancestral remains for years.
A spokesperson for the Canadian Museum of History said in a statement that > “We are committed to playing our part in the reconciliation process. The return of sacred objects is a moral responsibility of our institution, and we are grateful to the Siksika Nation for their support in this process.” The Siksika Crossing Historical Park will now preserve these stones in a sacred place, where they will be respected and protected. Special educational programs will also be launched to connect Indigenous youth with their history, spiritual significance, and the nation’s cultural roots.
