Rematriation is a term rooted in Indigenous leadership practices, scholarship and orature that broadly encompasses the restoration of lands, cultural belongings, knowledge, language and governance within Indigenous communities. Guided by matriarchal values, relationships, and authority structures, it signifies both cultural and political resurgence grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, ontologies, laws and protocols. Rematriation includes land and water protection but extends firmly into the cultural sphere, encompassing the physical return of Indigenous ancestral remains, belongings, and sacred items. It also includes the revitalization of Indigenous languages, practices, and governance systems.

 

To learn more, please see Dr. Gloria Lin’s Rematriation Lit Review here

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OUR CHAIR UPLIFTS

• Distinctions-based models of Indigenous research governance

• Rematriation of cultural treasures, belongings and ancestors through Indigenous-led processes

• Reciprocal research, teaching and mentorship relationships with global Indigenous rights holders

• Pathways for Indigenous language revitalization

• Decentralized digital infrastructure and Indigenous-governed approaches to artificial intelligence and Indigenous data sovereignty
   

GUIDING VALUES OF OUR WORK

• Strengthening Indigenous matriarchal values of promoting, protecting, preserving, and passing on Indigenous knowledges

• Honouring our collective principle of unity, grounded in Indigenous laws and protocols, while upholding distinctions-based and self-determining pathways that respect the rights, knowledges, and governance practices of diverse Indigenous Peoples

• Ensuring gender-sensitive approaches that challenge gender violence, oppression, and research colonialism

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LAUNCH & UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS

 

• The official launch of the UNESCO Chair will take place at the BC First Nations Women’s, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Self-Determination, Rematriation & Research Governance Summit on October 21, 2025.

• In November 2025, we look forward to connecting with global Indigenous partners at the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) to strengthen the international networks of our Chair.
   

KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION - Learn More About Our Vision & Media Engagement

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Grist Magazine — In-depth interview with Dr. Parent on the climate crisis, Indigenous knowledge, and rematriation.

Times of India — Feature on Dr. Minz, highlighting the Chair’s role in advancing Indigenous rights and knowledge systems.

CBC: The Early Edition — Radio interview with Dr. Parent about the UNESCO Co-Chair appointment.

Global News Morning BC — Television interview with Dr. Parent on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The Telegraph India (June 22, 2025) — Coverage on Dr. Minz, highlighting Indigenous-led approaches to digital infrastructures for tribal languages and knowledge governance.