BRITISH COLUMBIA June 21, 2016 ‘The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20229 Dear Mr. President: ‘The Government of British Columbia is committed to working with First Nations, Aboriginal leaders and organizations to identify specific objects in Canada and around the world, and bring these sacred belongings home. Returning ancestral remains and belongings of cultural significance is of vital importance to achieving reconciliation. United States federal law already recognizes this principle. The US Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) mandates the retum of Native American artifacts within the United States. Aboriginal nations exist on both sides of the Canada-US border. Ifit is right to return culturally and spiritually sensitive items to those living in the United States, itis right to also return such items to Canada’s First Nations and Aboriginal peoples. There have been success stories in the past. Culturally significant items and remains previously returned to Aboriginal peoples include ancestral remains retumed to the Tseycum First Nation from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City; a stone statue returned to the Sto:lo First Nation from the Burke Museum in Seattle; and ancestral remains returned to the Haida from the Field Museum of Chicago. These should not be isolated gestures. We are working with the Royal British Columbia Museum and Aboriginal nations and organizations to identify priority remains and objects, but we already know there are a substantial number that reside in public and private collections in the United States. Some were stolen or looted, and these should be returned as a matter of principle. Some were acquired with the best of intentions, with the hope of preservation — but times have changed. These items and remains should be returned to their original home, according to the wishes of Indigenous peoples. We look forward to working collaboratively with American muscums to make this happen. Itis the moral thing to do, Office ofthe Mating Adres: Location webite Premier PO Bor 9041 Sea Prov Gove Pliamene Buildings rw gorbeca Vicetia BC VW SEL Victoriawal, BRITISH COLUMBIA Tam respectfully asking for your support in ensuring culturally significant treasures are returned to their rightful owners — the First Nations and Aboriginal peoples of British Columbia. Sincerely, Christy Clark Premier of British Columbia pe: The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada ‘The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern ACfairs His Excellency David MacNaughton, Canadian Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Bruce A. Heyman, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Office of the Mailing Addis: Location: website Premier PO Box 9041 Sen Prov Govt Palme Buildings werngnbecs Victoria 8C V8W SEL Victoria