Our collaboration with @AIATSIS has not only resulted in the return of cultural heritage materials but an improved understanding of the aspirations of Indigenous communities & provided an invaluable opportunity to continue to build healing & reconciliation.

In late November, the first of two formal handover ceremonies will take place at Manchester Museum with delegates from Gangalidda Garawa, Nyamal & @AIATSIS

The return marks the first repatriation from the United Kingdom for the Return of Cultural Heritage project being led by @AIATSIS & the second to occur after the recent announcement of 42 objects to be returned from @ILStateMuseum in the USA.

During 2020, Australia will mark the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s first voyage to the east coast of Australia. This anniversary also marks the start of a process of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage being removed to museums overseas like ours.

We are exploring repatriation more widely as part of our commitment to building understanding between cultures. This is part of our vision to become the most inclusive, caring & imaginative museum, & our work with @AIATSIS will inform & inspire our #MMhellofuture transformation

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall Good to see that items are being returned to their rightful owners.

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall About time one might say!!!

@McrMuseum @ChesterArchSoc @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall I always used to be fairly conservative on this subject but am coming to think it can lead to greater cooperation, exchanges and understanding.

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall A pleasure working with Stephen and the team. Looking forward to lead the delegation to return the items home

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall Fantastic, hopefully the first of many. #alwayswasalwayswillbe

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall Amazing stuff, Manchester Museum. You’re a trend setter.

@McrMuseum @marinadealarcon @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall Now this is something I can always get behind, and makes me so very proud to see Manchester leading the way yet again!

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall Wonderful news.

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall @SocialResponUoM @julianskyrme Very excited about this. For me, this is world class #socialresponsiblity from you guys. Brilliant brilliant brilliant.

@McrMuseum @AIATSIS @ethnomcr @ward_esme @LeyLyndall This is great, but not the only museum doing this as its been reported. Im sure @TeviotPlace has done some of this too.