Indigenous Repatriation

The Australian Government supports the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains (ancestors) and secret sacred objects (objects) which contributes to healing and reconciliation.

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indigenous repatriation website warning banner

We facilitate the voluntary and unconditional return of ancestors held in overseas collections and with private holders; and support the safe return of ancestors and objects held in eight major Australian museums to their Traditional Custodians, contributing to healing and reconciliation.

For more than 250 years ancestors and objects were removed from their communities and placed in museums, universities and private collections in Australia and overseas. During the 19th and 20th centuries, medical officers, anatomists, ethnologists, anthropologists, and pastoralists collected ancestors for 'scientific' research linked to explaining human biological differences. While others removed ancestors and objects for the purpose of trade or sale where they were frequently placed on display and exhibited as curiosities in collecting institutions.

It has long been recognised that repatriation requires a collaborative approach to support the best outcomes for First Nations people. We work with all stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, other Australian Government agencies, Australian museums, state, territory and local governments, researchers and overseas governments, collecting institutions and private holders.

 

  • International Repatriation

    The Australian Government seeks the voluntary and unconditional return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains (ancestors) held in overseas collecting institutions and with private holders.

  • Domestic repatriation

    The Indigenous Repatriation Program—Museum Grants (the Program) facilitates the return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors and secret sacred objects held in eight major Australian museums to their communities of origin.

  • Research

    The Australian Government facilitates non-invasive research to determine provenance and support the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains (ancestors) and secret sacred objects (objects).

  • Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation

    The Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation provides advice to the Australian Government on repatriation matters.

  • National Resting Place

    The Australian Government's commitment to establishing a National Resting Place to care for repatriated ancestral remains (ancestors), returned from overseas by the Australian Government.

Australian Government Policy on Indigenous Repatriation

The Australian Government Policy on Indigenous Repatriation was established in 2011. In 2016, it was updated to reflect the change in Department name.

Australian Government Indigenous Repatriation Policy—September 2016

Other Australian Government Repatriation Programs

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)

In July 2020, the Australian Government announced four- year funding for AIATSIS to implement the Return of Cultural Heritage Initiative (the Initiative). The Initiative seeks to return Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material from overseas collecting institutions, governments and private holders back to their Traditional Custodians. To find out more about the Initiative, visit the AIATSIS website.

Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Department of Veterans' Affairs is responsible for the policy on the repatriation of Australian soldiers buried overseas. To find out more, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Contact

Email: repatriation@arts.gov.au. Phone: 1800 006 992 

Documents

 

Participating institutions

Enriching Australia's public collections

The Cultural Gifts Program (CGP) helps make important cultural items accessible to the Australian public by providing incentives for donors to donate art and cultural property to Australia's public collecting institutions.

Public collecting institutions must be endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) on the basis of being a public art gallery, museum or library (including archives) by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Institutions and donors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Cultural Gifts Program Guide prior to commencing an application.

Roles and responsibilities

The process of providing a donor with a tax deduction for a donation made under the Cultural Gifts Program begins when a participating institution accepts the donation into its collection.

The recipient institution is responsible for:

  • Ensuring the donation meets the institution's collection policy, including undertaking due diligence in relation to ensuring it complies with all legal requirements.
  • Accepting the donation into its permanent collection.
  • The donor and institution must complete a Certificate of Donation. For large donations, please complete the large donations template.
  • Assisting donors in obtaining at least two valuations for the donation from CGP approved valuers.
    • Valuations will not be accepted under the CGP unless the valuer is approved for the relevant class. For example, a valuer approved for Australian paintings after 1950 would not be eligible to value an Australian painting dated 1890.
  • Submitting the required documentation to the department using the online system. The Certificate of Donation and Valuation Certificates for donations made under the CGP must be submitted through the department's online submission portal: Start now. For collections of four or more items please upload a complete list itemising both valuations using the breakdown of items template.
  • The department will notify the donor and the institution upon receipt of the application.
  • The department will send the donor a letter once the application is finalised.

Acknowledging Australian Government support

Recipient institutions must acknowledge the Cultural Gifts Program when referring to donated items on materials including but not limited to promotional materials, websites, social media, invitations and signage.
The standard acknowledgement for a donation is:
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
Acceptable variations include:
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by [donor's name].
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by [donor's name] in memory of [name].
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program in memory of [name].

Deaccessioning

Donations should only be accepted on the basis that they will form part of an institution's permanent collection. However, the department acknowledges changes in collection policies may occasionally result in the need to deaccession items.

If items are removed from a collection, this should be done in accordance with the institution's deaccessioning policy. Donations under the CGP should not be returned to the donor as the donor has already received the benefit of the tax deduction for the gift.

Frequently asked questions

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