The repatriation of the Will Rogers Collection to Gumbaynggirr country: A journey of cooperation and learning

Abstract

In March 2023 Elders of the Gumbaynggirr community welcomed back to country a collection of 331 stone artefacts, sourced from beaches near Coffs Harbour in the late 1960s, that had been in the keeping of the Australian Institute of Archaeology for several decades. This paper describes the course of events preceding this occasion, which were not straightforward. The repatriation was significant for the Gumbaynggirr community and highlighted the changing sensibilities about collecting Aboriginal cultural material and the challenges faced in securing the return of cultural material to communities. The repatriation was positive for all parties involved and justified the time and effort required to see the project through.