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The audit noted the Indigenous Art Centre's collection — first established by the federal government in 1965 to protect, preserve and promote Indigenous art — consists of more than 5,000 artworks from First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists.

The collection is valued at roughly $14.4 million. The audit does not say how much the mislaid artworks are worth.

The Indigenous Art Centre began relocating the collection in 2022 to temporary private sector storage facilities while the former storage site was undergoing renovations.

The audit said the collection faced "key risks" to its security during and after the relocation and warned of an "increased risk of theft and security breaches."

"Mishandling of culturally important art pieces held within the collection poses a reputational risk and could adversely impact the department’s relationship with Indigenous stakeholders," the audit said.

The audit said the 132 mislaid artworks include an unspecified number of pieces that haven't been found even though the department has a list of their last known locations.

"Up to date policy instruments with clear roles and responsibilities for implementing requirements for the protection, preservation, and promotion of the collection are essential for ensuring that the department fulfils its mandate to oversee the development and maintenance of Indigenous art held in its care," the audit says.

"Failing to fulfil key requirements can erode trust bestowed upon it by Indigenous Artists and also negatively impact the Collection’s designated status through the (ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Heritage) Movable Cultural Property Program."

The audit report called on the department to keep better records and improve monitoring and oversight processes for employees tasked with managing the collection.

This report by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø was first published Oct. 27, 2025.