03.05.2024 – In a press release today, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock acknowledged the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land during a Return-to-Country ceremony. The ceremony marked the return of four significant artefacts to the Kaurna people.
Baerbock stated, “A bark peeler, a club, a spear, and a fishing net. At first glance, these seem to be just everyday objects. But each of these items holds countless stories. Stories about how the Kaurna people lived over 150 years ago.”
She further acknowledged the painful history of the Kaurna people, “When European settlers arrived on the Adelaide Plains, almost 200 years ago, they did great harm to the Kaurna people. They took away their rights and banned them from speaking their language.”
The Foreign Minister expressed her commitment to acknowledging the significance of cultural heritage, “In Germany, we have started a larger process to acknowledge the significance of cultural heritage. We strongly support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognises their rights to protect and develop their cultural heritages.”
Baerbock thanked Penny Wong for her cooperation and acknowledged her government’s efforts to respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and cultures. She also thanked the Dresden State Art Collections for their unwavering commitment.
Dr Scheps, who has been working with the Kaurna for over a decade, was personally thanked by Baerbock. It was Dr Scheps who brought the artefacts to Australia last year after their plane broke down.
Baerbock concluded her message by saying, “Today, after a long journey, we are bringing these items home to where they belong. Back to the Kaurna people. Let us share their history, let us share your stories. So they keep on living. Like your language – which 150 years ago, was considered almost extinct.” This statement underscores the importance of preserving and honouring the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
