Breaking copper: Legislating the repatriation of First Nations cultural property to restore self-determination and promote reconciliation.

The repatriation of cultural property to First Nations is often guided by voluntary procedures developed by museums, and legislation enacted by government. The treaty process can also direct repatriation negotiations between First Nations and museums. The return of cultural property from museums to First Nations has the potential to restore aboriginal cultural self-determination rights and begin a process of reconciliation between these two groups. However, neither First Nations cultural self-determination nor reconciliation with museums can be achieved through the repatriation of cultural property alone. In order for cultural self-determination to be fully realized complete control over cultural property must be reinstated to First Nations communities. Conditions placed on the care and storage of returned objects can interfere with First Nations cultural practices and can foster mistrust and resentment towards museums. An examination of voluntary policies, treaty processes, and legislative acts demonstrates that legislation is best able to restore full cultural self-determination to First Nations and achieve reconciliation with museums. --P.ii.