PM supports move to repatriate First Nations ancestor from India
Prime Minister Albanese has welcomed progress to repatriate an Australian First Nations ancestor held in the Government Museum of Chennai in India.
The repatriation of ancestors to their traditional custodians is a priority for First Nations people and represents some of the most important and respectful work governments can undertake. India’s agreement to repatriate reflects the strong cultural relationship and mutual respect between our two countries.
The Prime Minister also announced the return of several items of cultural significance to India previously held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and Art Gallery of NSW.
Promoting healing, justice and reconciliation
The returns demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to being an international leader in the ethical collection of cultural material and best-practice collection management, a statement from Canberra said.
“Australia and India share a deep history, and we are building strong people-to-people links between our two countries,” the PM said.
“The repatriation of First Nations ancestors promotes healing, justice and reconciliation.
“I commend Prime Minister Modi for the decision to repatriate Australian First Nations ancestors to their Traditional Custodians.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said every repatriation of ancestors from overseas is an act of truth-telling and righting wrongs of the past.
“I welcome India’s repatriation efforts, as we continue to work to return First Nations ancestors to their Country and their people,” she said.
