Forty-three culturally significant objects will be repatriated from the United Kingdom as part of the Return of Cultural Heritage Project.
Led by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), the initiative has worked alongside the Aranda people of Central Australia, the Gangalidda Garawa people of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Nyamal people of the Pilbara and Yawuru people of Broome to secure the safe passage of the items.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said there's little doubt the move is very special to Indigenous Australians.
“The return of these culturally significant objects signifies an important moment of healing for these communities,” the minister said.
“Importantly, it demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to work with cultural authority from throughout Australia to preserve our unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture."
The items will be returned from the Manchester Museum at the University of Manchester and marks the first repatriation from the UK under the Return of Cultural Heritage Project.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt believes the development is an important step in preserving national identity. Source: AAP
AIATSIS Council chairperson Jodie Sizer said the latest acquisition is proof the project is making inroads across the world.
“It follows closely on from the recent announcement of 42 objects to be returned from the United States of America, and we are extremely pleased with the early results produced by the project and the momentum it is building to see more of our items come home,” Ms Sizer said.
Yawuru Law Bosses have also welcomed the decision, confirming “the material returning to Yawuru are secret sacred objects of the highest significance and the Yawuru people are very glad that they are coming home”.
Community representatives will travel to the United Kingdom as early as next month to collect the precious and sacred items.
Share
