An internal audit has found that more than 130 Indigenous artworks are unaccounted for within a federal collection managed by Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC).
The audit, dated November 2024 and published earlier this month on the department’s website, examined practices at the Indigenous Art Centre, which oversees a national collection of more than 5,000 artworks by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. The collection is valued at approximately $14.4 million.
According to the audit, 132 pieces could not be located, though some have known last-recorded locations. The report highlights gaps in tracking, oversight, and record-keeping procedures, warning of an “increased risk of theft and security breaches” without stronger controls.
The audit makes several recommendations, including improving documentation of artwork locations, strengthening employee oversight, and implementing better monitoring systems.
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty said the department is reviewing the audit’s findings and taking steps to strengthen accountability measures.
“The artistic contributions of Indigenous peoples are a vital part of Canada’s cultural identity,” said Minister Alty. “We are committed to ensuring these important works are properly safeguarded, preserved, and respected.”
The Indigenous Art Centre, established in 1965, has long served as a national repository and promoter of Indigenous artistic expression. The audit underscores the need for renewed investment in inventory management and protection systems to ensure Canada’s Indigenous art heritage is preserved for future generations.