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10 First Nations Ancestors returned in first repatriation from Japan

June 2025—Japan

International repatriation Japan June 2025

On 11 June 2025, three Japanese collecting institutions came together to acknowledge the importance of returning ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains (ancestors) to their Traditional Custodians and representatives from the Australian Government so they can be returned to Australia.

The Australian and Japanese governments have been working closely together with mutual respect to support the return of ancestors back to their country of origin. This return marks the first repatriation of ancestors from Japan. The return of ancestors back to Australia and back to Country is significant for healing for First Nations people.

The ancestors were returned by the University of Tokyo, the National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo and the Kyoto University.

The University of Tokyo was the first Japanese collecting institution to agree to repatriate the seven ancestors held in their care. This includes one ancestor who was removed from Adelaide, South Australia. Mitzi Nam, Kaurna Nation travelled to Tokyo to receive the Kaurna Old Person and accompany her home. Mitzi reflected 'for many years the ancestral remains of Kaurna Old People and neighbouring Nations were collected by museums and universities without consent which caused great sadness and anger which has been carried for generations. While past wrongs cannot be forgotten, pathways to healing can start for all generations'.

Another Kaurna community member, Jannaya Williams, added, 'Repatriation connects us back to the spirit of our land, the vibration of the country, land, sea and sky that is our song, dance and lore. To the knowledge that our Old People, our ancestors are always with us. It is a chance to restore the circle that was broken, a circle that links past, present and future'.

The Kyoto University returned two ancestors who were removed from Western Australia. Representatives from the Bardi and Jawi community, Dampier Peninsula, and Yawuru community, Broome, both of the Kimberley region travelled to Tokyo to receive their ancestors and accompany them home.

Bolo Angus, Bardi and Jawi, Western Australia stated that 'repatriation is a vital step toward healing the deep wounds caused by the forced removal of our ancestors from their resting places. For our community, it is not just about bringing bones home—it is about restoring dignity, honouring our old people, and reconnecting spirit to Country. This healing is not only for us, the living, but for the spirit of the ancestors who have waited so long to come home'.

Uncle Neil McKenzie, Yawuru, Western Australia said 'It is important to bring the ancestors back to their Country and it is our cultural responsibility to ensure that this happens. The return of our Yawuru ancestor acknowledges the truth of Yawuru history and the treatment of our ancestors who were removed from Country without consent. We hold genuine hope that this process of truth telling will enable us to gain respectful recognition, so that we can move forward in a truly reconciled manner, leading to collective healing and empowerment'. Jason Richardson, a Yawuru and Bardi man, said: 'I am extremely honoured and privileged to play a role in bringing our ancestors home to their rightful resting place'.

The University of Tokyo and the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo also returned seven other ancestors to the stewardship of the Australian government so they can be cared for closer to home.

Media Release—10 First Nations Ancestors welcomed home from the first repatriation from Japan