Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event is being postponed. Stay tuned for updates on a rescheduled dates soon.
Presented in conjunction with The Work of Repair: Redress & Repatriation at the Museum of Vancouver, this panel brings together voices reflecting on the complex, often deeply personal work of repatriation.
Moderated by Aaron LaMaskin, the conversation will focus on the Museum of Vancouver’s recent collaboration with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government to return over 60 ancestral belongings—the Nation’s first repatriation from the Museum, completed in 2024.
Through individual reflections and shared dialogue, the panel will explore the emotional and cultural impact of repatriation, the challenges of institutional change, and the ongoing responsibilities museums face in redressing colonial harm.
Repatriation Monologues invites attendees to consider what meaningful repair looks like—and how museums can support Indigenous sovereignty, cultural resurgence, and the return of stories to where they belong.
Please arrive early with your event ticket to view the exhibition.
Date: June 20, 2025
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Tickets:
$20 General Admission (plus fees and taxes)
Free RSVP Indigenous People
If tickets are sold out and you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email programs@museumofvancouver.ca
About the Speakers:
Moderated by Aaron LaMaskin, speakers will include those with repatriation experience from Indigenous communities as well as museums.
Aaron LaMaskin
“My work focuses on understanding the process of repatriation and aiding Indigenous communities in making repatriation claims for their heritage. My prior work emphasized the processes of provenance research and on the politics of submitting a repatriation claim. Currently, my Ph.D. research assists with the Tsilhqot'in National Government's repatriation initiatives, developing a traveling museum exhibit, and aiding the TNG to develop the creation of a cultural centre.”
Leia Patterson
Having gained experience in educational programming at art galleries and museums throughout her student career, Leia moved from Ontario to British Columbia after completing her Post-Graduate Certificate in Museum & Gallery Studies. She immersed herself in repatriation work with Indigenous Communities at Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre and later, at Klahoose First Nation. When reflecting on those experiences, Leia describes it as ‘unlearning and relearning’ museum practices. She uses those experiences combined with new knowledge in her role as Reconciliation Resource Advisor at the BC Museums Association, a non-profit that supports museum professionals and volunteers in BC’s Cultural Sector.
Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George
Chief Janice has reclaimed the Salish weaving tradition and taught others throughout the Salish speaking territory and beyond.
Her work began in Squamish Territory, weaving the technical, spiritual and generational teachings together. Janice integrates the Squamish teachings from Janice’s late Grandmother Kwitelut-t Lena Jacobs—an elder and knowledge keeper who was directly connected to pre-contact times, as well as those of other Squamish ancestors.
Chief Janice George and Buddy Joseph (her husband), along with Leslie Tepper, co-authored the 2017 book, Salish Blankets: Robes of Protection and Transformation, Symbols of Wealth. Janice is a hereditary chief, trained museum curator and educator, and also co-organized the First Canada Northwest Coast Weavers Gathering with other Squamish Nation Weavers.
