In a significant act of reconciliation, the remains of 36 Indigenous ancestors are being repatriated from the UK to Australia, marking another chapter in efforts to return stolen cultural heritage to First Nations communities.
At a solemn ceremony held at London’s Natural History Museum on Thursday, six of the ancestors’ remains were formally handed back to representatives of Queensland Indigenous communities, including the Woppaburra, Warrgamay, Wuthathi, and Yadhaighana peoples. The remaining remains will be temporarily cared for by the Australian government while efforts continue to identify their rightful custodians.
“These were not just bones removed for study — they were ancestors torn from Country, family, and culture,” said Thomas Holden, who spoke on behalf of the Warrgamay community. “Repatriation is about reaffirming our sovereignty, our rights, and fulfilling our spiritual and cultural obligations.”
The remains are part of a vast collection taken from Indigenous lands during and after British colonisation in the 18th century. Over decades, scientists, explorers, and collectors removed human remains for study or display, with many ending up in museums, universities, and private collections worldwide.
Growing ethical concerns over the treatment of human remains have prompted a wave of repatriation efforts in recent years. Institutions like the Natural History Museum have increasingly worked with Indigenous communities and governments to return remains in a respectful and collaborative manner.
This marks the fourth occasion that the Natural History Museum has returned ancestral remains to Australia. Museum staff conducted extensive archival research in collaboration with Australian institutions to trace the origins of the remains.
The latest repatriation brings the total number of Indigenous remains returned to Australia from around the world to 1,775, according to the Australian government’s Office for the Arts. More than 200 of those have come from the Natural History Museum alone.
“The repatriation of our ancestors is a vital step in healing the wounds of the past,” said Keron Murray, a representative of the Wuthathi people. “It restores the spiritual and cultural balance that was disrupted when they were taken from their homeland.”
Wayne Blair, acclaimed actor and filmmaker representing the Woppaburra community, described the return as deeply emotional and significant. “You are not returning science specimens,” he said. “You are returning ancestors to their families, their descendants. It’s a spiritual and physical healing — an eternal flame for our people.”
Australian officials confirmed that discussions are ongoing with other UK institutions and private collectors for the “unconditional and voluntary” return of additional ancestral remains, as the nation continues its journey toward truth-telling and cultural restoration.
