Repatriation In Conversation

The Last Outlaws podcast explores the painful issue of stolen ancestral remains. This is a deeply upsetting issue and a living history for Aboriginal people, part of a daily struggle to gain respect and dignity in light of our colonial histories.

Repatriation refers to the return of Indigenous Ancestral Remains which have been held primarily in museums, universities and private collections. It can also be used to refer to the return of cultural objects.

The deceased are referred to in a number of ways depending upon what is considered appropriate by communities. For example, terms such as Ancestors, Ancestral Remains and Old People are all common in Australia.

Please be aware that this information can cause sadness and anger, and is part of living histories connected to people’s families.

Here you can listen to three conversations with leading scholars on the issue of repatriation. Please listen with care - and if you find that these conversations have caused you distress, we encourage you to seek support from friends, family and Elders, your local Aboriginal medical service or a national counselling service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14.