Remains of dozens of First Nations ancestors return home

The remains of 36 First Nations ancestors have returned to Australia from the UK in a "deeply poignant" ceremony.

The ceremony, hosted by the Natural History Museum London, saw ancestors returned to four Indigenous peoples in Queensland.

The Woppaburry community and the Warrgamay community each took custody of one ancestor, while two apiece returned to the Wuthathi community and the Yadhighana community.

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All four communities are in Queensland.

The remaining 30 sets of the remains are believed to also have origins in Queensland, but will be kept under government stewardship until their traditional custodians can be identified.

More than 1775 First Nations ancestors have been repatriated to Australia from across the world, including more than 1300 from the UK.

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Discussions are underway for further returns from Britain, including from institutions and "private holders'.

Woppaburra representative Wayne Blair said the return of such remains was "the only open door for reconciliation".

"You are not returning science specimens, you are returning ancestors to their families," he said.

Warrgamay representative Thomas Holden said the community had endured generations of pain.

"For our community, repatriation is about more than just bringing our ancestors home. It is about reaffirming our sovereignty, our rights, and our deep cultural and spiritual obligations to care for our people, even in death," he said.

"It is about ensuring that our young people see the strength in our traditions, that they understand the significance of our burial grounds, and that they continue the work of protecting and respecting our ancestors."

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Wuthathi representative Keron Murray said the repatriation was a "vital step" in healing the wounds of the past.

"For the Wuthathi people, bringing our ancestors home is not just about physical return – it is about respect, dignity, and reaffirming our deep connection to Country," he said.

"It allows us to fulfil our cultural obligations, honour our Old People, and ensure their spirits can finally rest where they belong."

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