Yolŋu ancestors returned to Arnhem Land as Melbourne University urges global repatriations

After being stored in Melbourne for many years, the skeletal remains of nine Yolŋu ancestors were finally laid to rest on their homeland in Arnhem Land, following a ceremony held at Bäniyala near Blue Mud Bay. The remains, originally removed by University of Melbourne anthropologist Donald Thomson between 85 and 90 years ago, were identified through new provenance research and returned to the Maḏarrpa clan, who buried them in larrakitj coffins atop a hill with a Christian cross overhead.

Clan leader Djambawa Marawili highlighted the importance of teaching younger generations about the reclaimed heritage. Laureate Professor Marcia Langton and interim vice-chancellor Glyn Davis stressed that such returns rectify historic injustices and urged institutions in Europe and Asia to follow suit. The university plans to send translated statements about the ceremony to dozens of foreign museums and collections. This event follows a week in which 14 ancestors have been repatriated to several Arnhem Land clans, reflecting a broader effort by the University of Melbourne to address its colonial legacy.