Oxford University to return remains of the Ngarrindjeri people to Australia.

15 December 2008

The University of Oxford has agreed to a request by the Australian Government (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) and the Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee to return three separate sets of human remains held in the University Museum of Natural History to Australia.These items, all acquired by Oxford during the 19th century, comprise three skulls and associated lower jaws. Their return was formally requested in the spring of 2008 as part of the Australian government's policy for repatriation of aboriginal remains.
This is the second time that items have been returned under the University's new policy for the return of human remains introduced in 2006. The University has a duty of care towards its collection and the policy is to ensure that items are given back to the appropriate community and to give due consideration to benefits that the items can bring to education and research.
Dr Jim Kennedy, Director of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History said: 'This is the second time that the University's procedure for repatriation has been used. It has enabled us to balance our duty of care for these items, the requirements of science and the sensitivities and beliefs of the claimant community. It has been a pleasure working with The Australian Government and the Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee, who have provided us with extensive information and background material that enabled us to reach the decision to repatriate the material.'
The University expects all claims to come from the same community of origin as the items and to be supported by the relevant national government. In assessing the validity of claims the University considers the age of the remains, their spiritual and cultural significance and the extent of the genealogical connection of the claimant community.
A spokesperson for the Australian High Commission said: "The Australian Government is committed to the unconditional repatriation of Indigenous human remains. The Australian and British Prime Ministers released a Prime Ministerial Joint Statement on Aboriginal Remains in July 2000. The statement committed both governments to facilitating the return of Indigenous human remains from public collecting institutions in the UK.  The Australian Government continues to progress the key intentions contained in the statement and engages closely with Indigenous communities in determining how repatriated remains should be treated in accordance with their wishes."

Experts at Oxford have reviewed the University's records for documentary confirmation, and are confident that the remains do belong to the Ngarrindjeri.

The University also carried out an assessment of the uniqueness, scientific, and educational value of the remains, seeking the advice of external experts on these matters. On the basis of these assessments, and the other evidence, repatriation was agreed.
Tom Trevorrow chairperson of the Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee said: "Ngarrindjeri people acknowledge the recognition and respect which has been given by the Oxford University in their decision to repatriate our Ngarrindjeri old people back home to their traditional lands.  The Ngarrindjeri people are hoping that other Institutions will equally accept the responsibility and follow this example of the Oxford University in returning old people's Remains to their lands of origin."

The items will be returned to Australia shortly and into the care of the Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee.