FOURTEEN FIRST NATIONS ANCESTORS RETURN TO COUNTRY FROM CALIFORNIAN INSTITUTIONS
Photo: Uncle Moogy in traditional attire
BY ASAD KHAN
The Australian Government has welcomed the return of 14 First Nations ancestors from four institutions in California, marking a significant step in the long-standing commitment to repatriate First Nations remains and cultural items.
This return highlights the commitment to reconciliation and respect for cultural heritage, especially for Ngarrindjeri and Wamba Wemba communities.
Among the ancestors returned, three were repatriated from the Fowler Museum at the University of California, two from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, five from the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, and four from the Oakland Museum of California.
The return was marked by a solemn ceremony attended by Australia’s Consul-General in Los Angeles, Tanya Bennett, and Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed.
Uncle Major (Moogy) Sumner AM, a respected Ngarrindjeri Elder, journeyed from South Australia to personally receive and accompany the Ngarrindjeri Old Person back home.
Reflecting on the emotional significance of the occasion, Uncle Moogy shared that “bringing the ancestors home is healing for the whole community and land. The repatriation of ancestors is an important part of reconciliation.”
He emphasized the restorative effect of having ancestors return to Country, a sentiment shared by many First Nations people.
One of the returned ancestors, at the request of the Wamba Wemba community in Victoria, will be cared for under government stewardship until it can be properly returned to its custodians.
The remaining 12 ancestors, also held under government stewardship, are now closer to their traditional lands and awaiting reburial with their communities.
For over three decades, Australia has supported the return of First Nations remains from overseas institutions, advocating for this practice as a fundamental human right.
The Albanese Labor Government continues discussions with American institutions to secure the unconditional return of other remains. With this recent repatriation, approximately 1,730 ancestors have been returned to Australia, including 160 from the United States.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized the significance of this repatriation effort, noting that the return of ancestors is “a basic human right of First Nations people,” and that ongoing international negotiations remain a priority to facilitate healing and reconciliation.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, echoed this, calling the return of ancestors “a step toward righting some of the past injustices carried out against First Nations people.”
Senator Jana Stewart, a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wemba woman, also spoke to the profound importance of this achievement, saying, “I’m proud to be part of the Albanese Government, a government that is committed to working with Traditional Owners to bring our ancestors home. As a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wemba woman, I know the healing that happens when you have your people back home on Country.”
Australia’s National Cultural Policy supports the rights of First Nations people to repatriate ancestors, and these returns represent an essential part of the Albanese Government’s reconciliation agenda.
For communities like Ngarrindjeri and Wamba Wemba, the return of their ancestors not only mends historical wounds but renews cultural connections to Country, offering pathways to healing, respect, and the resurgence of cultural identity.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with Unlce Moogy: