This week, we were privileged to welcome Yawuru community members to our Collections and Research facility in Boorloo / Perth for their official cultural ceremony for the return of their ancestor "Roebuck Bay Man" from the Smithsonian Institute in the United States.

As part of Yawuru's ongoing community initiative Wanggajarli Burugun (We Are Coming Home), Yawuru Law Boss Neil McKenzie Nyigarli and his son Luis Matsumoto recently travelled to Washington D.C, to bring home the remains which will be held temporarily at the WA Museum on Whadjuk Country.

“It is our cultural responsibility to ensure our ancestors are returned home so that their liyan (spirit) can rest," said Benjamin Dolby, Yawuru PBC Chairman.

Repatriation holds immense global significance in reconciliation and healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, addressing the historical removal of ancestral remains and sacred objects.

“The WA Museum is humbled to be entrusted with the care of Aboriginal Ancestors as they pause on their journey back to Country. We are proud to work with organisations like Nyamba Buru Yawuru to ensure safe-keeping of this Ancestor and, together with our Yawuru colleagues, we thank the Smithsonian and the US Authorities for making this possible.” Alec Coles, Western Australian Museum CEO said. 

We express gratitude to everyone involved in making this achievement possible.