Decolonisation of Museum Collections and Repatriation of Artefacts

Division held on 20 May 2025. The Motion Was Carried

Decision type

Simple Majority

Method

Lobby Division

Result

The Motion Was Carried

Debate

Decolonisation of Museum Collections and Repatriation of Artefacts

Official Assembly record of this division Official Report of the debate

The motion voted on

Motion (Private Members' Motion): Decolonisation of Museum Collections and Repatriation of Artefacts

That this Assembly notes National Museums NI’s (NMNI) commitment in its Ethics Policy to proactively seek to democratise and decolonise its collections, through ethical collections development, research, partnerships and engagement; further notes the Inclusive Global Histories exhibition launched by Ulster Museum in 2022 which aims to demonstrate NMNI's commitment to decolonisation, diversity and inclusion; commends the continued repatriation efforts of NMNI regarding the return of human remains and other sacred objects to the people of Hawaii; acknowledges the immense cultural, social, and historical significance that the return of artefacts represent to societies and indigenous communities impacted by colonialism around the world, including on this island; encourages museums to further develop and expand decolonisation policies, such as cooperating with requests for the repatriation of art and artefacts; and calls on the Minister for Communities to support museums here in their efforts to decolonise their collections.

The motion has not been assessed yet.

Tabled by: Miss Nicola Brogan, Mr Colm Gildernew, Mr Maolíosa McHugh

Totals

How each MLA voted

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