Paper short abstract:

The Aboriginal Heritage Project aims to reconstruct the genetic history of Aboriginal Australia via archival records and ancient hair samples. This project is premised on informed re-consent through direct engagement with the hair donors and their families, a model that has been highly successful.

Paper long abstract:

We outline the Aboriginal Heritage Project: a collaboration between the Australian Centre of Ancient DNA (ACAD), the South Australian Museum (SAM), and Aboriginal Australian families and communities, which aims to reconstruct the genetic history of Aboriginal Australia.

The project leverages the unparalleled collection of 5000+ hair samples that will result in a reference map that current and future generations of Aboriginal people can use to retrace their ancestry - including the displaced Stolen Generations and their descendants.

We present our outreach activities which has as its pivot, re-consenting the hair samples through in-depth consultation with Aboriginal Australian families and communities.

This complex process enables self-determination whilst also ensuring that existing policy is adhered to. This case study is very much a success story.