First Nations ancestors to return home from the UK

The Australian Government has today welcomed the return home of 11 First Nations ancestors from two collecting institutions in the United Kingdom.

Six ancestors will be repatriated from the Oxford Museum of Natural History, with three ancestors returning to their respective Traditional Custodians while three ancestors will be returned under Australian Government stewardship.

The Pitt Rivers Museum will return two ancestors to their Traditional Custodians, with three ancestors returned under Australia Government stewardship.

The Government will ensure the care and dignity of the six ancestors under its stewardship, while research is undertaken to determine their Traditional Custodians.

Representatives from the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council in New South Wales; the Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation and the Ngarrindjeri Community in South Australia; and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in Victoria attended a ceremony in Oxford to receive their ancestors and accompany their old people home.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke: 

“Securing the return of First Nations ancestors is essential government work.

“It brings dignity and respect to ancestors and their communities and is a crucial part of our country’s ongoing journey of reconciliation.

“Our government will continue to advocate for the unconditional return of First Nations ancestors held in overseas collections to their rightful place – at home, on Country, with their people.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney:

“Returning ancestors to Country is an important step for our country for reconciliation and truth-telling.

“The return will mean so much to the First Nations communities affected.

“This is critical work towards healing and justice. I commend all the parties involved.”

After this return, over 1,290 ancestors will have been returned from the United Kingdom to Australia.

More information about the Office of the Arts repatriation work can be found here.