00:00 A homecoming of history. 174 artifacts have made a long journey back to Groote Eiland
00:07 and welcomed warmly.
00:10 "Just doing a celebrating and we happy, we proud because the artifacts came back to where
00:17 it belongs."
00:19 These shell dolls were collected by a British anthropologist in the 1950s and then donated
00:24 to the Manchester Museum. Now they've been reunited with the Anandiliyakwa people.
00:29 "I remember playing with these because my grandmother she used to come with us and collect
00:36 them."
00:41 Spears, armbands and water carrying baskets were also amongst the returned collection.
00:46 "This is about a reconnection with the First Nations of Australia and indeed to recognise
00:53 them as the oldest living culture in the world. So for Britain today this is part of our reconciliation
01:00 journey."
01:03 Worldwide some 80 museums say they'll consider returning more artifacts.
01:08 "All institutions are at different stages in terms of their journey around considering
01:14 repatriating material and decolonising archives."
01:18 For the people of Groote Eiland, getting back objects that they still produce has affirmed
01:22 their refusal to let colonisation end their culture.
01:26 "I feel proud, happy for them to stop and come back to me for my children, grandchildren
01:33 so they can see it for future."
01:40 A welcome home well overdue.
01:43 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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