Federal government agrees to return Mtis artifacts

The federal government has agreed to return Louis Riel's crucifix and other artifacts to the Mtis National Council.

"It was an incredible surprise," said Jesse Donovan, a Mtis law student at the University of Saskatchewan who fought for repatriation of the items.

"It's a step toward reconciliation."

• Law student calling for Mtis artifacts at RCMP Heritage Centre to be returned

The artifacts, which also include Riel's poetry, knife and Mtisclothing, are currently on display in the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina.

Donovan, who has worked for Mtis groups across Canada, had been fighting for their release. He and others argued they belonged to the Mtis, not to those who imprisoned, tried and executed their leader, Riel.

According to Donovan, officials offered to loan the items to a new Mtis museum opening soon in Winnipeg. Donovan called that "totally unacceptable."

Donovan was preparing to take the federal government to court.

He recently met with a federal Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada senior staff member. Donovan was informed the government was no longer fighting to control the items.

Ownership will be transferred this summer during a ceremony in Winnipeg to the Mtis National Council, then housed in the museum there, Donovan said.

"It's a good gesture," he said.

Donovan said their fight is not over. The next step is securing a land base for the MtisNation promisedby the federal government more than a century ago.

"Our advocacy will continue," he said.