Dignified Relationships: Repatriation, healing, and reconciliation

Abstract

Repatriation has been identified as important for healing and reconciliation, but there has been little exploration of how this occurs. Drawing on extensive interviews in the Torres Strait, Kimberley and Ngarrindjeri country, this chapter explores and elucidates this relationship. Indigenous specific concepts of country, health and wellbeing are identified as key components as are universal human needs for the return of the dead and the grieving process to be complete. The chapter explores the role of memory and collective identity and considers the concept of dignity as a useful lens through which to understand more deeply the intricate relationship between repatriation, healing and reconciliation. Show more