‘We are very strong with our culture here, we still practise our culture here, but it does give us, strengthen us more and for the young people to look at these things and say hang on ... we can't lose it now, we've just got to carry on.’
Mr Frank Davey, Bardi Jawi Elder.
Bardi Jawi return
| Number of objects | Return destination | Institution | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
31 items |
Cape Leveque area, West Kimberley, WA | Illinois State Museum, United States of America |
Request submitted: Return celebration: |
Illinois State Museum
In 2019, after 11 months research consultation and preparation, AIATSIS led a delegation of Aranda and Bardi Jawi men to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield Illinois, USA, to collect 42 items from the Arrernte and Bardi Jawi Nations. On 22 October an official handover ceremony was held at the Illinois State Museum.
On 28 November 2019, the Bardi Jawi material was returned to Country in a small celebration in Ardyaloon (One Arm Point, Cape Leveque). The items were welcomed by a small delegation from the community, along with AIATSIS representatives.
‘After the evening presentation at the museum, one woman reflected on how important the return was and said ‘I'm proud of my state.’ We will look back on this repatriation as a turning point for the museum and remember the role you played in shaping our new direction.’
Dr Brooke M. Morgan, Curator of Anthropology at Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Centre.
Bardi Jawi on Country return of materials. Photo: Ian Meechan, on behalf of the Bardi Jawi Rangers.
Bardi Jawi on Country return of materials. Photo: Ian Meechan, on behalf of the Bardi Jawi Rangers.
Bardi Jawi dancer at the return to Country celebrations at Ardyaloon. Photo: Ian Meechan on behalf of the Bardi Jawi Rangers.
Bardi Jawi dancer at the return to Country celebrations at Ardyaloon. Photo: Ian Meechan on behalf of the Bardi Jawi Rangers.
