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

The federal government must return a series of artifacts housed in theRCMPHeritage Centre to the Mtis people, says a University of Saskatchewan law student.

'We view theRCMP'spossession of these artifacts as unconscionable.'- Jesse Donovan

The items at the Regina museum include a crucifix belonging to executed Mtis leader Louis Riel, his poetry, knife and Mtisclothing.

The federal government says it owns the items, but second-year law student Jesse Donovan doesn't agree. He'sbeen circulating an online petition and speaking with federal officials about the artifacts.

"We view theRCMP'spossession of these artifacts as unconscionable," Donovan said. "It's insulting."

He said the items belong to theMtisnation and should be repatriated immediately.

Not donations, says Donovan

Donovan, whose Mtisfamily roots are partly in the Meadow Lake, Sask., area, has worked on legal research for Mtisorganizations in Ontario and elsewhere.

He said the federal government's continued possession of the items is contrary to the United NationsDeclaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He said it also runs contrary to the federal government's stated goal of reconciliation with First Nations andMtis people.

Donovan said the federal government claims Riel donatedthe crucifix and other items. Donovan said they were handed over to RCMP as Riel was about to be executed. No reasonable person would call that a donation, Donovan said.

"Louis Riel's crucifix is an item of immense cultural significance, spiritual significance. But even more than that, it's a symbol of the resistance," he said.

In an emailed statement, Scott Bardsley, an official in the office of Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale,said there is documentation that the itemsbelong to the RCMP. He said the government would loan the items to the Mtis National Council for a possible future exhibit.

But Donovan said that's not good enough.

Unsure where items would go

It's unclear where the items would be housed or who would decide that should they be returned. Donovan said any decision would be based on widespread consultation with Mtispeople.

If the government doesn't consent, Donovan said they'll take the government to court.