The ceremonies for the repatriation and reburial of 16 sets of Aboriginal ancestors' remains in Port Stephens have been described as as overwhelming and exhilarating by members of the Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
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Over the last six months, the remains of ancestors from the Worimi, Karuah and Wanaruah communities were re-buried in four locations including Broughton Island, Dark Point, Fingal Bay and Singleton.
Office of Environment and Heritage's John Duggan said that the first lot of ancestors were returned to Broughton Island in August 2018.
"Most of the ancestors came from Sydney University and the Australian Museum. One set of remains came from the Tea Gardens Police Station. They included male and female individuals, both adults and children," he said.
Smoking ceremonies were performed for the burials, and all ancestors were wrapped and tied in paperbark.
