The official return of Ancestral Remains to Queensland communities and Traditional Owners from Wuthathi (Cape York), Woppaburra (Keppel Islands), Warrgamay (Ingham) and Yadhaigana Community (Cape York)

Coe Gallery was honoured to attend and support the repatriation ceremony at London’s Natural History Museum, where 36 First Nations Ancestors began their journey home. Six Ancestors were welcomed home on behalf of the Woppaburra, Warrgamay, Wuthathi and Yadhaighana Peoples in Queensland. The remaining 30 Ancestors are being cared for by the Australian Government while their Traditional Custodians are identified and cultural protocols for return to Country are followed. This fourth repatriation from the Museum followed detailed archival research and was acknowledged by community representatives as a vital step in truth-telling, healing, and the reaffirmation of sovereignty. To date, 1,775 First Nations Ancestors have been repatriated to Australia, including more than 200 from the Natural History Museum - with further UK returns under discussion.

Pictured: Smithy Wilson, Wayne Blair, Thomas Holden and Keron Murray.

With thanks to The Australian High Commission, The Natural History Museum , The Queensland Museum, The Australian Government & The delegation of community members and representatives.