In a significant development for Indigenous communities in Canada, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to facilitate the return of the sacred Manitou Stone to its ancestral lands in Alberta. This agreement, formalised between Parks Canada and the Manitou Asinîy-Iniskim-Tsa Xani (MAITX) Centre, aims to establish a permanent home for the stone, which holds profound spiritual significance for the Cree, Blackfoot, and Dene peoples.
The Celestial Significance of the Manitou Stone
Long before it became a topic of academic interest, the Manitou Stone was etched into the oral histories of Indigenous nations across the Canadian Prairies. It is believed to have arrived on Earth during a dramatic bolide event, a fiery meteorite crash that left a lasting impression on the landscapes and cultures of the region.
The stone, also known as Manitou Asinîy in Cree, Iniskim in Blackfoot, and Tsa Xani in Dene, is not merely a geological curiosity; it is a revered object that embodies a deep connection to creation stories and spiritual practices. Wally Fox, a Cree knowledge keeper and former chief of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, articulates this connection: “It came from the Creator and was brought here to help our people.”
The stone fell near present-day Hardisty, Alberta, a site that became a gathering place for various Indigenous nations. As tribes convened around the stone, historical rivalries were set aside, fostering an era of cooperation and shared traditions. “Wars ended, and shared traditions began,” Mr. Fox recalls, highlighting the stone’s role as a unifying force.
A Long Journey of Displacement
The journey of the Manitou Stone has been fraught with challenges since it was taken from its rightful place in 1866 by George McDougall, a Methodist missionary. This act initiated a pattern of dispossession that would reverberate through generations. According to prophecy, the removal of the stone would herald a period of hardship, and many believe that the subsequent decline of the buffalo population and the resurgence of conflict between tribes were manifestations of this prophecy.
After its removal, the stone was eventually displayed at various institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Alberta Museum, where it was kept on loan. For the Indigenous peoples who have historically revered the stone, its absence has been a continuous source of pain and loss.
A New Chapter: The Formation of MAITX
In 2023, hope emerged from a long history of negotiations with the establishment of the MAITX Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the stone’s repatriation. Under the guidance of Indigenous leaders, including Mr. Fox and Elder Leonard Weasel Traveller, the MAITX Centre aims to create a dedicated interpretive centre at Elk Island National Park, just outside Edmonton.
The memorandum signed on July 13 marks a critical step forward, allowing for the establishment of this centre on a former golf course, yet it does not include funding for its construction. The board of MAITX is actively seeking financial support from both provincial and federal governments while also engaging in fundraising efforts to realise their vision.
The Path Ahead: Perseverance and Prayer
Despite the hurdles that remain, the leaders involved in this initiative express unwavering determination. Mr. Fox emphasises the importance of patience and spiritual guidance in the journey of repatriation. “When you ask for prayers from the Creator Mother Earth and the spirit helpers, they will not answer you on your timeline,” he explains. “They will answer you when they feel it’s time for you to be able to receive the prayers.” The Cree philosophy of ahkamaymoh, meaning “persevere,” underscores their commitment to seeing this process through to fruition.
Why it Matters
The return of the Manitou Stone is not merely a logistical endeavour; it represents a profound act of healing and recognition for Indigenous communities. By reclaiming their sacred heritage, these nations are taking significant strides towards mending the wounds inflicted by colonialism. The establishment of the MAITX Centre will not only serve as a physical space for cultural revitalisation but also as a beacon of hope for future generations, reminding them of their enduring connection to the land and their histories. As the stone prepares to return home, it brings with it the promise of reconciliation and the restoration of traditional practices, enriching the cultural tapestry of Canada as a whole.
