Returning Our Ancestors explores the powerful journey of repatriating Aboriginal peoples' ancestors, whose remains were once taken from their sacred burial sites and treated as objects of curiosity by individuals, families and institutions. These ancestors, once respectfully placed in the earth, were removed and stored in metal boxes as specimens for scientific research and display. The 1980s marked a significant turning point, with efforts beginning to return these ancestors to their rightful resting places on their land. However, the journey is far from complete, and many still remain in distant locations. This documentary, created by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, highlights the healing process and the ongoing work to bring home the ancestors, featuring stories from Victorian Traditional Owners and others involved in this important endeavor.
Screening: Saturday, Friday, May 16th, 7:21 - 7:50 PM, The Shedd Recital Hall
Length: 28 min
Country: Australia
Language:
Director: Michael Woods
Producer(s): Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, Jeni McMahon
Distributor: Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council