Key Takeaways:
- The remains of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are held in museums, universities, and private collections across Australia and internationally.
- The repatriation of these remains to their ancestral lands is a complex and sensitive task, with new remains being discovered faster than they can be returned.
- Australian museums have been working to return human remains for decades, with some institutions undergoing a cultural reckoning and appointing Indigenous-led teams to lead repatriation work.
- The repatriation process is complicated by insufficient records, native title disputes, and inadequate funding.
- The return of ancestors to their communities is seen as a crucial act of reconciliation and a step towards healing and closure.
Introduction to Repatriation
The story of Elizabeth Dempsey and her siblings, who traveled to Sydney for a reunion with their Waluwarra ancestors, highlights the complex and emotional process of repatriation. The remains of their ancestors, which had been held in institutions in Australia and Germany, were finally returned to their community after a century. This reunion was a significant moment for the Waluwarra people, who had been searching for their ancestors for many years. The discovery of the remains in institutions such as the University of Cologne and the Australian Museum in Sydney, brought mixed emotions, including sadness, anger, and a sense of relief.
The History of Repatriation
The history of repatriation in Australia is a long and complex one. For centuries, the remains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were collected, sold, and traded, often without the knowledge or consent of their communities. The practice of collecting and displaying human remains was a common one in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with many institutions and individuals seeking to acquire specimens for study or display. The remains of Indigenous people were often taken from victims of massacres, or exhumed after burial, and were then sold or traded to institutions and collectors. One notable example is the case of Walter Roth, who collected thousands of cultural artifacts from north Queensland, including human remains, which he sold to the Australian Museum in 1905.
The Current State of Repatriation
Today, the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remains is a priority for many institutions in Australia. The Australian Museum, for example, has a dedicated team working on repatriation, led by Laura McBride, the director of First Nations. The museum holds hundreds of human remains, and while the exact number is not known, it is clear that the work of repatriation is ongoing. The Queensland Museum also faces a similar challenge, with over 840 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors in its collection. The museum’s executive director of First Nations, Bianca Beetson, notes that the returns to community are being outstripped by the numbers of ancestors being returned, with many being found in unexpected places, such as in grandparents’ closets.
The Challenges of Repatriation
The process of repatriation is not without its challenges. Insufficient records about the origins of the remains, native title disputes, and community fears about the potential for vandalism of burial sites are just a few of the issues that must be navigated. Additionally, the lack of funding for research, consultation, and the construction of on-country keeping places can hinder the repatriation process. Despite these challenges, the work of repatriation is crucial, and is seen as a key step towards reconciliation and healing. As Beetson notes, "We talk about it being the most important act of reconciliation… Do we want these ancestors sitting in a museum for another two, three hundred years?"
The Importance of Repatriation
The return of ancestors to their communities is a significant moment, one that brings a sense of closure and healing. For the Waluwarra people, the reunion with their ancestors was a time for celebration and reflection. As Dempsey notes, "It feels like you’ve cried all your tears, you’ve grieved long enough – now it’s time for healing." The repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remains is an important step towards reconciliation, and one that requires ongoing commitment and support. As the work of repatriation continues, it is clear that the return of ancestors to their communities is a crucial part of the healing process, and one that will have a lasting impact on the lives of Indigenous Australians.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remains is a complex and ongoing process, one that requires dedication, commitment, and support. The story of the Waluwarra people and their reunion with their ancestors highlights the importance of this work, and the need for ongoing efforts to return ancestors to their communities. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remains, and work towards a future where all ancestors are returned to their rightful place in their communities. By doing so, we can work towards healing, reconciliation, and a brighter future for all Australians.