Ngā Kākano: Repatriation, with Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo & guests

Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo will talk on her exploration of the growing movement for Pacific cultural repatriation and its significance for Indigenous communities, museums, and heritage institutions. Drawing on her experience as a Fijian cultural heritage specialist and museum practitioner, she examines the historical pathways through which Pacific ancestral remains, cultural treasures, and knowledge systems became dispersed across international collections.

This talk will highlight contemporary approaches to repatriation that emphasise Indigenous leadership, community collaboration, cultural renewal, and restorative justice. Through Pacific case studies, the talk will consider how repatriation extends beyond the physical return of objects to encompass the revitalisation of cultural knowledge, strengthening of identity, intergenerational transmission, and the rebuilding of relationships between communities and collecting institutions.

This session invites reflection on the responsibilities of museums in supporting ethical, community-centred heritage practice across the Pacific.

Dr. Vunidilo will also be showing Oceanbone, a short documentary that she co-produced in 2025 with Dr. Lani Cupchoy of the College of Ethnic Studies, California State University, Los Angeles.

Following the talk, join an engaging panel discussion exploring Māori and Pacific repatriation through a cultural lens, with Dr Vunidilo and distinguished guest speakers offering unique insights.

Light refreshments will be served.