Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation

The Australian Government's Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation provides advice to the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. The Committee advises on policy and program issues, specifically related to the Indigenous Repatriation Program which supports the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors held overseas; and domestically, the repatriation of both ancestors and secret sacred objects held in eight major Australian Museums. Members advise on ancestors and secret sacred objects that have limited provenance and no identified community of origin; repatriation matters that affect all or many communities (as each community advises on its own cultural protocols); and other relevant matters. Members of the all-Indigenous Committee are appointed based on their understanding of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture and traditions; and have experience in Indigenous repatriation and/or cultural heritage work. Members do not represent their local Nation or language group; employer; organisation; or state or territory of origin or residence. The six-member committee includes a male and a female Co-Chair and four members of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (with at least one Torres Strait Islander representative).