Museum morals: re-evaluating the collection, exhibition, and repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings in the Modern Age

Abstract

The ethical challenges posed by the collection, exhibition, and repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings in Eurocentrically-modeled museums have gained increasing global attention. Rooted in colonial legacies of exploitation and cultural appropriation, these practices have disrupted the spiritual, cultural, and historical continuities of Indigenous communities. This paper critically examines the history of such collections, highlighting the enduring impact of looting, coercive acquisitions, and decontextualization. By analyzing contemporary practices and regulations, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and international frameworks like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), it explores pathways for more equitable and inclusive museum practices. Through case studies of institutions like the Wellcome Collection and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, this research illustrates how museums can engage in transparent collaboration with source communities. Key strategies discussed include adopting the dialogic museum model, prioritizing Indigenous knowledge systems, and establishing clear repatriation frameworks. The paper argues for a fundamental shift in museum paradigms, emphasizing repatriation, community partnership, and the elevation of marginalized voices. These measures aim to transform museums into spaces for dialogue, reconciliation, and shared cultural stewardship, fostering a more ethical and inclusive approach to heritage preservation.