Dr Leah Lui-Chivizhe | Why Ancestors Can’t Stay in Museums [Video]

In a stirring exploration of history and justice, Leah Lui-Chivizhe delves into the profound impact of colonial practices on Indigenous communities. She unravels the poignant narrative of Ancestral Remains taken from their lands and stored in museums—far from their people. Through her personal journey and research, Lui-Chivizhe illuminates the ongoing pain and historical injustices inflicted by these acts. She calls for a transformative approach that not only acknowledges past wrongs but actively seeks to return these Ancestors to their rightful homes. This powerful narrative underscores the urgent need for institutions to demonstrate true progress and respect for Indigenous peoples.

Dr Leah Lui-Chivizhe
Dr Leah Lui-Chivizhe is a Torres Strait Islander with enduring connections to Mer, Erub and Badu islands and a Scientia Senior Lecturer in UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture. A historian and curator, her current research focuses on how nineteenth century collections from the Torres Strait can strengthen Islander connections to our pre-colonial histories of human and more-than-human relations and contribute to decolonial praxis in collector institutions. Her book, Masked Histories: Turtle shell masks and Torres Strait Islander people, was highly commended for Australian History in the 2023 NSW Premier’s History Awards.

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