Canada still cannot locate 111 Indigenous artworks from federal collection
Nearly two years after an audit identified 132 missing Indigenous artworks, the Canadian federal government still cannot locate 111 of them. The audit, which took place in November 2024 and was released in October 2025, examined the operations of the Indigenous Art Centre from April 2019 to August 2024. Founded in 1965, this centre houses over 5,000 pieces valued at about C$14.4 million. While 17 of the unaccounted works have been resolved, 111 remain missing. Maryéva Métellus, a spokesperson for CIRNAC, clarified that 'unaccounted for' does not necessarily mean loss or theft. Artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun has called for the centre's closure, whereas Cory Dingle sees it as a chance for cultural growth. The centre features significant works by artists like Norval Morrisseau.
Key facts
- 111 Indigenous artworks from Canada's federal collection remain unaccounted for.
- An internal audit in November 2024 identified 132 missing works.
- The Indigenous Art Centre was established in 1965 and holds over 5,000 works.
- The collection is valued at C$14.4 million ($10.4 million).
- 17 works have been resolved: 6 found in storage, 11 duplicate entries.
- 20 of the remaining 111 are reproductions.
- No criminal investigations are underway.
- Artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun called for the centre to be shut down.
Entities
Artists
- Norval Morrisseau
- Christi Belcourt
- Elisapee Ishulutaq
- Kent Monkman
- Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun
- Cory Dingle
Institutions
- Indigenous Art Centre
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
- Mackenzie Art Gallery
- Norval Morrisseau estate
- Canada Council for the Arts
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Canada
- Regina
- Saskatchewan