- Indigenous Ancestors' Remains Returned to Australia
- Natural History Museum Returns Ancestral Remains
- Australia Repatriates First Nations Ancestors
The remains of 36 Indigenous ancestors are set to be returned to Australia in a significant repatriation effort aimed at restoring their rightful connection to their traditional lands.
At a ceremony held at London’s Natural History Museum, six of the ancestors were formally returned to their Queensland communities, including Woppaburra, Warrgamay, Wuthathi, and Yadhaighana. The Australian government will safeguard the remaining remains until their traditional custodians can be identified.
The ancestors’ remains were taken from Australia by scientists, explorers, and others following Britain’s colonization of the country in the 18th century. Over time, these remains found their way into museums, universities, and private collections across the globe.
However, growing ethical concerns surrounding the collection, sale, and display of human remains have spurred significant progress in returning them in recent decades.
Thomas Holden, representing the Warrgamay community, described the removal of ancestral remains as an act of profound disrespect.
“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,” Holden said during Thursday’s ceremony.
“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,” he added.
This marks the fourth repatriation of ancestral remains by the Natural History Museum. Staff conducted extensive archival research involving multiple organizations to trace the origins of the remains.
According to the Australian government’s arts office, the latest repatriation brings the total number of First Nations ancestors returned globally to 1,775, including over 200 sets of remains repatriated by the Natural History Museum. Discussions with other institutions and private holders in the UK are ongoing to secure the “unconditional and voluntary return of further ancestors.”
“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,” said Wuthathi representative Keron Murray.
Wayne Blair, an acclaimed actor and filmmaker speaking on behalf of the Woppaburra people, emphasized the profound impact of repatriation.
“Repatriation is an eternal flame—the eternal healing is both spiritual and physical, for our elders and community,” Blair noted.
He also addressed the importance of the remains themselves, stating, “You are not returning science specimens, you are returning ancestors to their families, their descendants.”
