The Australian Government has supported international repatriation for over 30 years. This has seen the return of over 1740 ancestors from across 10 countries back to Australia. The Australian Government maintains its commitment to securing the return of ancestors held overseas so they can be returned to their Traditional Custodians or held in safe care in Australia until their Traditional Custodians can be identified.

We are currently working with collecting institutions in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Switzerland, Japan and New Zealand to progress repatriations. We have a joint arrangement with France and are working closely with other countries to advocate for the return of ancestors. When the Traditional Custodians are known, we work closely with them as they advise on the return of their ancestors, cultural protocols and any access and controls for associated material. The Traditional Custodians make all decisions regarding the final resting place of their ancestors.

As of 24 March 2025, 1741 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains have been repatriated from overseas over the past 30 years. Breakdown: 160 from USA, 1 from Canada, 1300 from UK, 162 from Germany, 54 from Austria, 44 from Sweden, 8 from Czech Republic, 5 from Netherlands, 1 from Ireland and 6 from NZ. These numbers reflect the minimum number of individuals known at the time of reporting. Numbers may vary with further research.

More information

For more information:

Email repatriation@arts.gov.au.
Phone: 1800 006 992

  • International highlights

    The Australian Government has supported the return of over 1,730 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains (ancestors) from overseas institutions and private holders for over 30 years.

  • Domestic repatriation

    The Indigenous Repatriation Program—Museum Grants (the Program) facilitates the return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors and secret sacred objects held in eight major Australian museums to their communities of origin.