Information Sheet:
Public Entities and Universities Reporting
Aboriginal Ancestral Remains
Public entities and universities are required under section 14(1) of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (“the Act”) to give written notification anda report to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (“the Council”) of any Aboriginal Ancestral Remains that are in its possession.
Schedule 5 of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 (“the Regulations”) sets out the prescribed form in which such a report must be made.
The purpose of this information sheet is to assist universities and public entities to meet the requirements of the prescribed form.
Public Entities and Universities
Within 2 years of 1 August 2016, public entities and universities(asdefined in section 4 of the Act and Section 5 of the Public Administration Act 2004), must submit a report of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains in their possession to the Council.
Information that must be submitted with the report
Thefollowinginformation must be included in the report:
▪The name of the public entity or university making the report
▪A table of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains in the possession of the public entity or university,including:
–a description of the remains
–the origin of the remains (if known)
–the current location of the remains (if known)
–the minimum number of individuals
–any relevant accession number or catalogue entry/entries
–details of any associated Aboriginal objects
▪Accession and catalogue entries for Aboriginal Ancestral Remains and any associated Aboriginal objects:
–Copies of all documentation, correspondence and research relating to the Aboriginal Ancestral Remains and any associated Aboriginal objects.
▪A description of the Aboriginal Ancestral Remainsand any associated Aboriginal objects, identifying known individuals where possible:
–Dimensions, materials, and photographic documentation (if appropriate)
–Antiquity of the remains or associated Aboriginal objects (if known) and means used to determine this
▪Provenance information from the Aboriginal Ancestral Remains and any associated Aboriginal objects, identifying known individuals, where possible:
–Location and geographical context of excavation, point or removal or collection (if known)
–This can include the name or number of VAHR site, nearest town and State
▪Information on acquisition and possession of Aboriginal Ancestral Remainsand any associated Aboriginal objects, identifying known individuals where possible, including:
–The name of the person or organisation from which the remains were obtained (if known)
–The date of acquisition of the remains (if known)
–The means of acquisition of the remains (e.g. gift, purchase or excavation)
▪Details of consultation undertaken with Traditional Owners believed to be culturally affiliated with the Aboriginal Ancestral Remainsand any associated Aboriginal objectsduring compilation of report
▪A summary of the evidence used to determine the origin and cultural affiliation, including:
–references to published material
–results of consultation
–details of accession and catalogue entries
–all documentation, correspondence and research relating to the Aboriginal Ancestral Remains and any associated Aboriginal objects
▪The name of relevant Traditional Ownersunderstood to have cultural affiliation with the Aboriginal Ancestral Remains and any associated Aboriginal objects
Additional information should be provided as attachments.
After submitting a report
A public entity or a university must take all reasonable steps to transfer the Aboriginal Ancestral Remains in its possession into the custody of the Council as soon as practicable.
For further information, please contact:
Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council
Ancestral Remains Unit
P: 03 9651 6880
E:
Information Sheet: Public Entities and Universities Reporting Aboriginal Ancestral Remains1
Table 1 Aboriginal Ancestral Remains in the possession of <PUBLIC ENTITY/UNIVERSITY NAME
Report Reference Number / Title/Description / Origin / Acquisition date, location and known history of transferal / Minimum number of individuals (MNI) / Current location / AccessionCatalogue number / Associated Aboriginal Objects / Cultural Affiliation (if known)
1 / <Description of Ancestral Remains collection>, / <insert known provenance details> / <known year and location of transferrals post interment> / <insert number of identified individuals in the collection of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains> / <Insert Storage location, including shelf, building and address> / <Insert any accession/
Catalogue number details> / <insert number and a brief description of any objects associated with the Ancestral Remains> / <insert Traditional Owner name >
2
3
Template Form for Report on Aboriginal Ancestral Remains1
DOCUMENTATION
Report Reference Number: 1
Title:Name given to Aboriginal Ancestral Remains collection.
MNI (minimum number of individuals):
Accession and Catalogue entries: References to catalogue entries and details of accession, any relevant documentation, research or correspondence regarding the Ancestral remains and any associated Aboriginal objects (details in attachment).
Accession #:
Catalogue #:
Description: Describe the entire collection, differentiating individuals where known.
Associated Aboriginal objects:
Description:
Origin: Include all known details of provenance, including any information on the nature of the burial, position of individuals and any associated Aboriginal objects, landform, geographic location of provenance, nearest township, state.
Acquisition History: Include all known locations, donations, acquisitions, transferrals and dates.
Consultation and summary of results:
Evidence for determination of cultural affiliation:
Basis of Determination:
Cultural Affiliation: <Traditional Owner .
Template Form for Report on Aboriginal Ancestral Remains1