Indigenous Ancestors’ Remains Returned to Australia in Landmark Repatriation

The remains of 36 Indigenous ancestors have been formally returned to Australia from the UK, marking another significant step in ongoing repatriation efforts. Six of the ancestors were handed over during a ceremonial event at the Natural History Museum in London, while the rest will be held by the Australian government until their rightful custodians are identified.

The repatriated remains belong to First Nations communities in Queensland, including the Woppaburra, Warrgamay, Wuthathi, and Yadhaighana peoples. Representatives from each group attended the ceremony, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural importance of returning their ancestors to their homelands.

Thomas Holden of the Warrgamay community described the removal of ancestral remains during colonial times as an act of profound disrespect that disrupted sacred cultural connections. “Repatriation is about reaffirming our sovereignty, our rights, and our spiritual obligations,” he said.

Keron Murray, speaking for the Wuthathi people, echoed the sentiment, calling the return a “vital step in healing” and restoring spiritual balance. Actor and filmmaker Wayne Blair, representing the Woppaburra community, emphasized that these are not scientific specimens but revered ancestors finally coming home.

The remains were originally taken during and after the British colonisation of Australia in the 18th century, ending up in museums, universities, and private collections across the globe. In recent decades, ethical concerns around the display and trade of human remains have driven increased efforts to return them to their communities.

This is the fourth such repatriation by the Natural History Museum, which has returned more than 200 sets of Indigenous remains to date. The museum said it conducted extensive archival research to trace the origins of the remains and worked in collaboration with Australian authorities and Indigenous groups.

The total number of Indigenous ancestors returned to Australia now stands at 1,775, according to the Australian government’s arts office. Ongoing discussions are underway with other institutions and private collectors in the UK to facilitate further voluntary and unconditional returns.