Statement on Dakota Ancestor Reburial
October 28, 2025
This is an update on the final resting place of three Dakota Ancestors, who were returned from the University of Manitoba on Sunday under SVDN Elder guidance.
Background on this Repatriation. These Dakota Ancestors, which date back to the 1880’s, were held by the University of Manitoba without consent for many years as part of the university’s collection of Indigenous human remains and burial belongings. The University recently publicly apologized for this and has initiated the process of returning Ancestors home. To clarify, this was an Elder-led process and these Dakota Ancestors are not linked to any residential school investigations.
The process of return was officially initiated with the University of Manitoba on September 12th, 2025 with an open Elders meeting. At this meeting, information about each Ancestor was shared, with time for discussion and questions. Elders consensus was reached to return and rebury the Ancestors near the Anglican cemetery alongside the previously reburied Ancestors. Chief and Council took the Elder’s decision to the University of Manitoba to begin the journey home for these Dakota Ancestors.
Location Selection. The Elder’s recommendation from the meeting was to lay these Ancestors to rest alongside the ten Dakota Ancestors repatriated in 2023, near the east side of the Anglican cemetery. After taking everyone’s input into consideration, consensus was reached to rebury the Ancestors along the southwest corner of the Catholic cemetery. This new location was chosen with care to honor the Ancestors while prioritizing SVDN safety.
Summary. After too many years away, the Dakota Ancestors have finally returned home. The Elders shared how meaningful this moment was to them and advocated for this to happen, recognizing that the Ancestors are an essential part of Dakota history and identity. These Ancestors now rest with dignity and respect in their homeland, lovingly honored and cared for by their relatives.
If you would like to learn more about this reburial, or have any questions, please reach out directly to: katherine.nichols@svdngovernance.com
