2007 Press Release

Torres Strait Ancestral Remains Returned

26/06/2007

Representatives from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Mer Island will today congregate in Canberra to participate in a ceremony to welcome the return of six Torres Strait Islander remains, previously taken to the United Kingdom by archaeologists in the 19^th century. 

A delegation from Mer Island led by the community’s Council Chairperson, Mr Ron Day, had retrieved the remains from Glasgow Museum (Scotland) and the University College of London (England).

TSRA Alternate Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Arts, Culture and Language Mr Jesse Sagaukaz, who is attending the ceremony, said the remains arrived back in Australia on Sunday, 24 June.

“This was no doubt an emotional journey for all those involved,” said Mr Sagaukaz.

“Of the six remains, five were part of a Glasgow Museum collection, originally taken from Mer Island as part of an archaeological study by Professor Alfred Cort Haddon and placed in the Museum in 1898.

“The other was stored at the University College of London, and has been identified as from the Torres Strait, though at this stage, it has not been confirmed which exact island.

“Similar to our Aboriginal brothers and sisters on the mainland, our people have campaigned for the return of our ancestors for many years.

“The TSRA is aware that to date, there are at least another 206 Torres Strait human remains in several institutions in the United Kingdom and we hope this return sets a precedent for other establishments to release their collections back to the region.

“TSRA will continue dialogue with these institutions and work with relevant government agencies and our communities to try and achieve similar outcomes in the future.

“Torres Strait Islanders are very proud of their ancestral heritage, through the courage, strength and wisdom of our fore-fathers, our generation today has emerged with a strong and rich seafaring cultural identity.

“The repatriation of the Torres Strait remains has been a positive step forward toward healing past injustices, the community of Mer can now begin to reconcile their history and begin plans to lay their ancestors to rest,” Mr Sagaukaz said.

ENDS

TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly Ph: 07 4069 0700.