Episode 25 - Repatriation

Welcome to the Coming to the Mat podcast where we celebrate the stories, history, and perspectives of remarkable Pacific Island women. Each episode is an opportunity to explore new topics that highlight the rich cultural heritage of our Pacific Island nations, from Culture and Traditions to Health and Wellness, Economy and Business, and more. Join me, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick, as we embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration.
Today, we delve into the significant topic of repatriation, specifically the repatriation of human remains from the Pacific region that were stored in German collections. The repatriation effort is part of Germany's acknowledgement of its colonial past and its commitment to confront this history. Our guest today, Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo, is a Fijian archaeologist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Göttingen in Germany.
Dr. Vunidilo is well-versed in the field of archaeology and has a passion for sharing her knowledge about the histories of places, artifacts, and Indigenous peoples. During her four-month fellowship at Göttingen, Dr. Vunidilo is working to develop a comprehensive research agenda on the repatriation of more than 1,000 human remains from Oceania, with 900 of those coming from Papua New Guinea.
In this episode, we will explore Dr. Vunidilo's work on repatriation, the significance of preserving Pacific indigenous cultural heritage, and her experiences as a researcher from the Pacific. Join us as we delve into this enlightening conversation and discover the importance of connecting with societies of origin in the region, so that human remains can be returned to their rightful homes. So sit back, relax, and let's explore this topic of discovery and inspiration together!