An historic agreement has been signed in the Torres Strait Islands, formalising Queensland Museum’s role as the temporary custodian of the culturally significant Weswes Corals on behalf of the Meriam people.
For the Meriam people, the corals hold deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance, reflecting their enduring connection to Country, Sea Country, and the natural environment of the Torres Strait.
The collection comprises more than 140 coral specimens collected from Mer in the Torres Strait in 1913 by American scientist Alfred Goldsborough Mayor during ecological studies.
The corals were identified as originating from the island by a James Cook University and Queensland Museum post-doctoral research fellow who was undertaking studies at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in the US.
The collection has been housed at Queensland Museum Tropics in Townsville since its return to Queensland from the Smithsonian Institution in 2025. Under the custodianship arrangement, the corals will continue to be preserved and cared for in consultation with Meriam Traditional Owners.
The agreement formalises the shared commitment of Queensland Museum, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Mer Gedkem Le to honour, protect and appropriately care for the corals and their cultural and ecological significance.
Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said Queensland Museum is honoured to act as the temporary custodian of the Weswes coral on behalf of the Meriam people.
“This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, trust and mutual respect in caring for cultural heritage.
“We are committed to working closely with the Mer Gedkem Le to ensure the corals are cared for in a way that reflects and respects its cultural and ecological significance.”
Mer Gedkem Le Corporation Chairperson Falen Passi said the Weswes corals represents far more than a scientific collection.
“For the Meriam peoples, the Weswes corals are a vital part of our identity, culture and connection to land and sea,” Mr Passi said.
“The signing of this agreement is a moment of great pride and healing for the Meriam people. It is about more than custodianship, it is about respect, trust and recognition of our cultural heritage.
“We are grateful to Queensland Museum and TSRA for their commitment to working alongside us to ensure the corals are cared for and shared in a way that honours our traditions, stories and future generations.”
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson George Nona said TSRA was committed to supporting Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) communities, including the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), with repatriations such as the return of the Weswes collection.
“This has been an emotional journey for the Meriam people, respectfully led by the Mer Gedkem Le Prescribed Body Corporate in partnership with TSRA,” Mr Nona said.
“The formal agreement, signed in the Torres Strait, is a commitment that Queensland Museum has made with the Meriam people to be the safekeepers of this part of their history.
“The TSRA is proud to have co-facilitated this significant return and ensure future Meriam descendants will benefit from this historical moment.”
Queensland Museum Executive Director of First Nations Cultures and Social History, Dr Bianca Beetson highlighted the broader significance of the agreement.
“This agreement is a testament to the strength of cultural knowledge and the importance of returning stories and objects to their rightful custodians,” Dr Beetson said.
“It is our privilege to support the Meriam people in ensuring these corals continue to inspire and educate future generations.”
Under the guidance of Meriam Traditional Owners, the Weswes corals will continue to be cared for at Queensland Museum Tropics in Townsville. This historic agreement safeguards the collection’s profound cultural, historical and ecological significance, ensuring it will be cherished and shared with future generations.
