KYAC and the Kaurna Community are thrilled that these precious items have found their way home. Home to where they were part of the lives of the Kaurna people that created them and where they were such integral parts of our lives. These items may no longer be used in the day to day lives of the living Kaurna people, but they are part of our story, our culture and we share a deep and significant connection with them.
Mitzi Nam, Chairperson, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) RNTBC and Emma Gollan, Secretary, KYAC.
| Number of objects | Return destination | Institution | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 items (incl. a sword, club or bark peeler, spear, and net) |
Tarndanya (Adelaide) |
Grassi Museum, Leipzig Germany |
Return celebrations: 18 August 2023 (private handover) 3 May 2024 (on-Country return) |
Grassi Museum Leipzig
The Kaurna people have been discussing the return of their material with the Grassi Museum since 2019. The Kaurna material was originally sent to Germany in 1840 by two Lutheran missionaries and has been held by the museum since then. With support from the German Government, Dr Birgit Scheps-Bretschneider, Curator of the Australian and South Pacific Collections at the Grassi Museum Leipzig, personally ensured the items returned to Australia in August 2023. Mitzi Nam, the current Chairperson of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation represented Kaurna in a private handover in Sydney.
Because today the Kaurna have almost nothing of what their ancestors once had. The little that still exists of the Kaurna today can therefore often be found in Western museums.
The more we can give back, the richer we become. Rich in knowledge, human stories and emotions, perspectives. This way we can tell our history much better.
Birgit Scheps-Bretschneider, Curator of the Australian and South Pacific Collections Grassi Museum Leipzig
Private handover, August 2023, L-R: Ophelia Rubinich (RoCH), Mitzi Nam (Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation), Birgit Schepss-Bretschneider, (Grassi Museum Leipzig), Jens Hoch (German Embassy Canberra). Photo: G Boubeta, IAS.
Private handover, August 2023, L-R: Ophelia Rubinich (RoCH), Mitzi Nam (Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation), Birgit Schepss-Bretschneider, (Grassi Museum Leipzig), Jens Hoch (German Embassy Canberra). Photo: G Boubeta, IAS.
Mitzi Nam from the Kaurna community placed leaves on the karraw irraparri (River Red Gum) to welcome the items home. Photo: O Rubinich, AIATSIS.
Mitzi Nam from the Kaurna community placed leaves on the karraw irraparri (River Red Gum) to welcome the items home. Photo: O Rubinich, AIATSIS.
Tarndanya (Adelaide)
KYAC and AIATSIS hosted a celebration for the return of the four cultural heritage items to the Kaurna people in South Australia. The return event was held at Pirltawardli (Possum Park), the location of the original exchange between Kaurna people and German missionaries.
This high-profile event was attended by several ministers and ambassadors from Australia and Germany as well as prominent elders from the Kaurna community.
This significant material will be temporarily stored and cared for at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
It is the first official return of cultural assets from the European continent to Australia as part of the 'Return of Cultural Heritage'. I hope that this sends a signal extending beyond Germany.
Hon. Annalena Baerbock, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
This event represents a significant cultural exchange and collaboration between our nations.
The Honourable Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians.
Celebrating the return on 3 May 2024 were L-R front row: Lynette Crocker; Veena Raymond, Senior Kaurna Elder; Lewis O'Brien; Eldest living Kaurna person; Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians; Mitzi Nam, Chairperson KAYAC, Hon Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs; Dennis Rigney, Vice Chair KYAC Director; Birgit Scheps-Bretschneider, Curator Grassi Museum Leipzig; Michael Kumatpi O'Brien, Lewis's son and the person who submitted the application. L-R 2. row: Regine Grienberger, German Ambassador for Cyber Affairs; Ulrich Lechte, FDP; Juergen Cosse, SPD; Emma Gollan; Leonard Hill, CEO AIATSIS; Ralf Beste, Director-General for Culture and Communication; L-R 3. row: Hon Justin Mohamed, Ambassador of First Nations; Hon Beate Grzeski, German Ambassador to Australia. Photo: TB Photography and Videography.
Celebrating the return on 3 May 2024 were L-R front row: Lynette Crocker; Veena Raymond, Senior Kaurna Elder; Lewis O'Brien; Eldest living Kaurna person; Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians; Mitzi Nam, Chairperson KAYAC, Hon Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs; Dennis Rigney, Vice Chair KYAC Director; Birgit Scheps-Bretschneider, Curator Grassi Museum Leipzig; Michael Kumatpi O'Brien, Lewis's son and the person who submitted the application. L-R 2. row: Regine Grienberger, German Ambassador for Cyber Affairs; Ulrich Lechte, FDP; Juergen Cosse, SPD; Emma Gollan; Leonard Hill, CEO AIATSIS; Ralf Beste, Director-General for Culture and Communication; L-R 3. row: Hon Justin Mohamed, Ambassador of First Nations; Hon Beate Grzeski, German Ambassador to Australia. Photo: TB Photography and Videography.
Being welcomed to Pirltawardli (Possum Park), Major Moogy Sumner and Robert Taylor. Photo: TB Photography and Videography.
Being welcomed to Pirltawardli (Possum Park), Major Moogy Sumner and Robert Taylor. Photo: TB Photography and Videography.
Board of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation attending the on-Country celebrations. Photo: TB Photography and Videography.
Board of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation attending the on-Country celebrations. Photo: TB Photography and Videography.
After almost 200 years, the return of these sacred items honours the voices and heritage of the Kaurna People, bringing dignity and respect to the Traditional Custodians of this land and their ancestors. The return of cultural heritage items is a crucial part of our country’s ongoing journey of reconciliation, it promotes healing and justice.
Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
