We have welcomed the return of 36 First Nations ancestors from the United Kingdom in a ceremony hosted by the Natural History Museum in London.
The ceremony marked the return of ancestors to 4 communities in Queensland:
- One ancestor to the Woppaburra Community
- One ancestor to the Warrgamay Community
- Two ancestors to the Wuthathi Community
- Two ancestors to the Yadhighana Community
The remaining 30 ancestors, with provenance to Queensland, will be returned under Australian Government stewardship so they can be cared for closer to home, until such time as their Traditional Custodians can be identified.
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.
With this repatriation, over 1,775 First Nations ancestors have been repatriated from across the world, including more than 1,300 ancestors from collecting institutions and private holdings in the United Kingdom. This includes over 200 ancestors repatriated from the Natural History Museum, London.
The department is currently progressing discussions with other institutions and private holders in the United Kingdom to facilitate the unconditional and voluntary return of further ancestors.
Quotes attributable to the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Jim Betts
“The repatriation of ancestors is a priority for First Nations people. It is an acknowledgement of past injustices, and a step on the road towards reconciliation. It is an honour to be able to support the community representatives as they carry this cultural responsibility.”
Quotes attributable to Woppaburra Representative, Wayne Blair
“It is our cultural duty and responsibility to bring our ancestors home, to be reburied on Country, finally laid to rest, with dignity and finally at peace. Repatriation of our ancestors, is an eternal flame, the eternal healing is both spiritual and physical, for our Elders and Community.
“The repatriation of ancestor’s remains, is the embodiment of Reconciliation and Healing, for First Nation communities across Australia. Domestic and Overseas, you are not returning science specimens, you are returning ancestors to their families, their descendants, whose eternal pain of loss brings healing. Repatriation and the return of ancestors, is the only open door for reconciliation to truly begin healing for injustices of the past, for First Nation Elders and communities across Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Warrgamay Community Representative, Thomas Holden
“The removal of our ancestors from their resting places was an act of deep disrespect—one that severed our spiritual and cultural connections to Country. For generations, our people have carried the pain of knowing that our ancestors were taken from us, their remains held in institutions and collections far from home.”
“For our community, repatriation is about more than just bringing our ancestors home. It is about reaffirming our sovereignty, our rights, and our deep cultural and spiritual obligations to care for our people, even in death. It is about ensuring that our young people see the strength in our traditions, that they understand the significance of our burial grounds, and that they continue the work of protecting and respecting our ancestors.”
Quotes attributable to Wuthathi Community Representative, Keron Murray
“The repatriation of our ancestors is a vital step in healing the wounds of the past and restoring the spiritual and cultural balance that was disrupted when they were taken from their homeland. For the Wuthathi people, bringing our ancestors home is not just about physical return – it is about respect dignity, and reaffirming our deep connection to Country.”
“It allows us to fulfil our cultural obligations, honour our Old People, and ensure their spirits can finally rest where they belong. This process strengthens our community, reinforces our identity, and helps heal the intergenerational trauma caused by their removal.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Doug Gurr, Director, Natural History Museum
“It was a privilege for the Natural History Museum to host Traditional Custodians from the Warrgamay, Woppaburra and Wuthathi communities, alongside colleagues from Queensland Museum and the Australian government and High Commission. The special ceremony was a deeply poignant moment, following close collaboration with the Australian government to reunite the communities with their ancestors.”
Image:
Left to right - Smithy Wilson, Wuthathi Community Representative; Wayne Blair, Woppaburra Community Representative; Thomas Holden, Warrgamay Community Representative; Keron Murray, Wuthathi Community Representative. © Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London.