Canada cannot locate 111 Indigenous artworks

The Canadian federal government has been unable to locate 111 pieces from the Indigenous Art Collection. The collection, managed by the Indigenous Art Centre, includes works by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists and is valued at approximately C$14.4 million.

A November 2024 internal audit originally identified 132 entries where locations could not be confirmed, citing weaknesses in governance, storage, documentation, and financial planning. Since that audit, officials have reconciled 21 entries, reducing the number of unaccounted-for works to 111.

While the missing items do not necessarily imply theft or physical loss, the discrepancy has raised significant questions regarding the government’s responsibility and stewardship of Indigenous cultural heritage.