Fourteen First Nations Ancestors returned home from California

The Albanese Labor Government has welcomed the return of 14 First Nations ancestors from four Californian collecting institutions.

Three ancestors were returned from the Fowler Museum at the University of California, two ancestors from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, five ancestors from the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology and four ancestors from the Oakland Museum of California.

A Ngarrindjeri community representative, Uncle Major (Moogy) Sumner AM travelled from South Australia to receive the Ngarrindjeri Old Person and accompany the Old Person home.

One ancestor was returned under stewardship of the Government at the request of the Wamba Wemba community in Victoria.

The other 12 ancestors were returned under government stewardship, they will be cared for closer to home, until such time as they can be returned to their Traditional Custodians and Country.

The ceremony was also attended by Australia’s Consul-General in Los Angeles, Tanya Bennett and Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed.

Australia’s National Cultural Policy, acknowledges the importance of respecting and promoting the rights of First Nations people to repatriate their ancestors back to their homelands.

The Australian Government has been supporting the return of First Nations ancestors from collecting institutions and private holders overseas to Australia and their Traditional Custodians where known for more than 30 years. After this repatriation approximately 1,730 First Nations ancestors will have been returned, including 160 ancestors from the United States.

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing discussions with a number of United States collecting institutions and universities to secure the voluntary and unconditional return of ancestors held overseas. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke MP

“We recognise that the return of ancestors is a basic human right of First Nations people and we will continue to advocate for their return across the globe.

“Our government is committed to further negotiations and the facilitation of international repatriations to continue on the road to healing and reconciliation.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy

“The return of ancestors to their Country is a step toward righting some of the past injustices carried out against First Nations people.

“I commend all parties for their work toward this successful outcome.”

Quotes attributable to Uncle Major (Moogy) Sumner AM, Ngarrindjeri Elder

“Bringing the ancestors home is healing for the whole community and land. The repatriation of ancestors is an important part of reconciliation.

“Our ancestor comes from Ngarrindjeri Country and they will be returned to their home.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator Jana Stewart, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, Labor Senator for Victoria

“I’m proud to be part of the Albanese Government, a government that is committed to working with Traditional Owners to bring our ancestors home. 

“As a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, I know the healing that happens when you have your people back home on country. I look forward to seeing the outcome of further negotiations regarding the repatriation of ancestors.”