In a remarkable gesture of respect and reconciliation, the National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI) has announced its decision to repatriate additional human remains and sacred objects back to Hawaii. This move comes after previous repatriations in 2022, where NMNI returned human remains and sacred objects to Hawaii following the identification of items linked to theft or the slave trade within its collections.
The latest repatriation involves the discovery of three ancestral human remains, known as iwi kūpuna, that were taken from Hawaii back in 1840. This find marks a significant step towards honoring the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Hawaiian people and addressing historical injustices.
It is heartening to see museums like NMNI taking proactive steps to right the wrongs of the past. The repatriation ceremony held at the Ulster Museum in 2022, where two ancestral human remains and five sacred cultural objects were returned to Hawaii, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices.
Representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) have expressed their gratitude for NMNI’s commitment to locating and returning the ancestral remains. Kamakana Ferreira from OHA conveyed their appreciation for the efforts made by the museum in locating the missing iwi kūpuna, emphasizing the deep significance of the repatriation process.
William Blair, Director of Collections at NMNI, underscored the museum’s dedication to repatriating cultural artifacts to their source communities as a means of decolonizing collections and addressing past injustices. The sentiment of partnership and respect in this endeavor is evident, as NMNI collaborates with OHA to ensure a respectful and dignified return of the ancestral remains.
The return of these artifacts signifies a profound acknowledgment of the wrongs committed in the past, particularly the lack of consent and proper collection management standards when the items were originally taken from Hawaii in 1840. Through meticulous review and documentation projects aligned with professional standards, NMNI was able to locate the missing iwi kūpuna in November 2024, paving the way for their eventual repatriation.
As preparations are underway for the formal repatriation ceremony expected to take place later in 2025, the anticipation and significance of this event are palpable. The forthcoming return of the ancestral remains to Hawaii will not only bring closure to a chapter of injustice but also symbolize a renewed commitment towards cultural preservation and reconciliation.
In a world where historical artifacts often hold complex and painful narratives, the act of repatriating these items represents a step towards healing and understanding. The collaboration between NMNI and OHA serves as a beacon of hope for future endeavors in cultural heritage preservation and restitution.
The journey to rectify past injustices may be challenging, but as seen in the case of the repatriation efforts by NMNI, it is also immensely rewarding. By acknowledging the mistakes of the past and
