An important chapter in Indigenous history is unfolding as the Manitou Stone meteorite, revered by Cree, Blackfoot, and Dene peoples, is set to return to its ancestral home in Alberta. Following years of negotiations, a memorandum of understanding has been signed, allowing the establishment of a permanent interpretive centre in Elk Island National Park, where the stone can be accessed by Indigenous communities who hold it sacred.
The Significance of the Manitou Stone
The Manitou Stone, known by various names including Manitou Asinîy in Cree, Iniskim in Blackfoot, and Tsa Xani in Dene, is a meteorite that measures approximately one metre in width and weighs 145 kilograms. Its origins date back around four billion years, coinciding with the formation of Earth. When it fell, it created a spectacular display that would have been visible across vast distances, accompanied by a sonic boom that startled the herds of bison roaming the plains.
Wally Fox, a Cree knowledge keeper and former chief of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, emphasises the stone’s significance in oral histories, stating, “It came from the Creator and was brought here to help our people.” The meteorite serves as a symbol of unity among the three nations, fostering collaboration and shared spirituality, even during times of historical conflict.
A Long Journey of Displacement
The story of the Manitou Stone took a troubling turn in 1866 when it was removed from its sacred site by a Methodist missionary, George McDougall. Initially taken to Ontario, the stone has since been housed in various museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Alberta Museum. For many Indigenous peoples, its removal marked the beginning of a series of hardships, including the near-extinction of bison and resurgent conflicts among tribes.
According to Fox, the removal of the stone was prophesied to herald dire consequences: “My elders explained to me that they saw a vision that First Nations people are going to go through many hardships because that rock was taken.” Such narratives illustrate the deep cultural connection Indigenous peoples have with the stone, as well as the ongoing impact of colonial actions on their communities.
A New Chapter: The MAITX Centre
The establishment of the Manitou Asinîy-Iniskim-Tsa Xani (MAITX) Centre marks a pivotal moment in the stone’s journey. Formed in 2023, this non-profit organisation is dedicated to facilitating the return of the Manitou Stone and creating a space for cultural education and spiritual connection.
On July 13, Parks Canada signed a memorandum of understanding with MAITX, paving the way for the development of an interpretive centre on what was once a golf course in Elk Island National Park. Although this agreement marks a significant step forward, it does not provide funding for the centre’s construction or ongoing operations, leaving the MAITX board to seek financial support from both federal and provincial governments.
The Path Forward
While the journey of the Manitou Stone is far from over, the efforts of individuals like Fox and other Indigenous leaders showcase a deep-rooted commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Fox underscores the importance of patience and perseverance in this process, saying, “When you ask for prayers from the Creator Mother Earth and the spirit helpers, they will not answer you on your timeline.”
The MAITX board remains optimistic about the future, actively fundraising and engaging in further negotiations. The stone, a powerful symbol of Indigenous identity and resilience, is poised to return to a place of honour, where it can once again serve as a beacon of unity and spiritual significance.
Why it Matters
The repatriation of the Manitou Stone transcends the mere return of a meteorite; it embodies the broader struggle for Indigenous rights and cultural restoration in Canada. As the stone finds its way back to its rightful place, it reinforces the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and fostering reconciliation. This movement not only honours the past but also paves the way for future generations to connect with their heritage, ensuring that the sacred narratives of the Cree, Blackfoot, and Dene peoples continue to resonate in the heart of their communities.
