World · North America · 14 hrs ago
Experts say Indigenous communities should weigh in on Risley art sale
Experts say Indigenous communities should help decide the fate of cultural objects in a collection linked to Canadian businessman John Risley.
About 30 baskets, carvings, textiles and moccasins are described as Indigenous, but some have unclear labels and no known artist or date.
The objects are part of a collection of nearly 670 works whose ownership was disputed during court proceedings in Nova Scotia.
Risley says the items were bought through dealers and auction houses, where culturally important pieces would likely have been identified.
The Canadian Museum Association’s Indigenous Council says communities must be allowed to identify objects’ significance, because collectors and dealers may not recognize it.
A court approved the sale of most company assets to New Tide Capital after Risley’s CFFI Ventures fell under creditor protection with nearly US$1 billion in debt.
New Tide plans to negotiate with Risley over disputed works, while experts say the objects should be returned to the Indigenous nations they belong to.
Experts say Indigenous communities should help decide the fate of about 30 cultural objects in John Risley’s art collection.
The objects are among nearly 670 artworks, antiques and artifacts identified in court proceedings involving CFFI Ventures.
Risley says his collection would not include items acquired before their cultural significance was understood.
The Canadian Museum Association’s Indigenous Council says Indigenous people need the opportunity to identify culturally significant objects.
A Nova Scotia court approved the sale of most of CFFI’s assets to New Tide Capital last month.
- Who
- Indigenous communities, John Risley and CFFI Ventures are involved.
- What
- Experts say Indigenous communities should have a say over about 30 objects described as Indigenous cultural objects in Risley’s collection.
- When
- The articles were published on October 16, 2026; the court approved the sale of most CFFI assets last month.
- Where
- The court proceedings took place in Nova Scotia. CFFI is based in Atlantic Canada.
- Why
- Experts say Indigenous communities should be able to identify objects that may be culturally significant and have a say in their fate.
Indigenous experts and organizations
John Risley
Community involvement
Indigenous experts and organizations
Indigenous communities should have the opportunity to identify culturally significant objects and help decide their fate.
John Risley
Risley says his collection would not include Indigenous items acquired before their cultural significance was understood.
CFFI Ventures was placed under creditor protection after collapsing under nearly US$1-billion in debt.
A Nova Scotia court approved the sale of most of CFFI’s assets to New Tide Capital.
Details of 669 items were released after their ownership was disputed.
- Cultural objects
- About 30 items described as Indigenous cultural objects
- Disputed items
- Details of 669 items were released during court proceedings
- CFFI debt
- Nearly US$1-billion
- Asset sale buyer
- New Tide Capital
- Art and antiques
- More than 1,200 works valued at about $8.1-million
3 sources
What people are saying
The most ethical situation, is seeing these cultural items return to the nations that they belong to.
My mind, immediately, is less about the items themselves, but more about the overarching question of when do and when should Indigenous nations have the right to engage in this process,
Our collection would not include any such pieces.