A delegation from the Ugar Island Community travelled to Germany to receive the remains of their ancestors and accompany them home. As part of this process, three additional ancestors will remain under the Australian Government’s stewardship until they can be reunited with their Traditional Custodians. Elder Tomson Stephen of the Ugaram Le emphasized the profound significance of the return, stating, “Returning ancestors to Country is part of the process to progress healing and truth-telling in Australia of the past injustices to First Nations People.”

Australian Ambassador to Germany, Natasha Smith, highlighted the importance of these efforts, expressing gratitude for Germany’s commitment to reconciliation. She remarked, “Helping communities find and repatriate their ancestors is a high priority for the Australian Government. German institutions and governments are also committed to repatriations and apologising for injustices of the past.” This partnership has already facilitated the return of 162 ancestors from German institutions, a testament to the enduring bonds between the two countries, built on mutual respect and shared values.

The Australian Embassy in Berlin, along with institutions such as the Ethnological Museum Berlin and the Queensland Museum, played a vital role in this effort. The return of these ancestors represents a powerful step toward healing, reconciliation, and justice, as First Nations communities continue their journey of truth-telling and cultural restoration.

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