South Australia Police (SAPOL) has played a significant role in the repatriation of an Aboriginal man to his Country, following nearly 70 years of separation.
Thomas Cowell, a Lower Southern Arrernte (Irrwanyere) man who worked driving cattle in South Australia's far north, died on 27 March 1959 at Kopperamanna Bore. Local police attended at the time to investigate his death and, after determining there were no suspicious circumstances, respectfully buried him nearby.
In 1966, following local flooding, Mr Cowell's gravesite was disturbed, and police returned to recover his remains. Despite efforts, no family could be located, and his remains were subsequently transferred to the South Australian Museum, where they have been cared for over the past six decades. Through the tireless work of the SA Museum, Mr Cowell's relatives were recently identified and arrangements to repatriate his body commenced.
On Wednesday 27 June, Sergeant David Finlayson from Coober Pedy and Senior Community Constable William (Bobby) Bailes from Oodnadatta travelled to Mt Dare, where they met with representatives from the South Australian Museum and Mr Cowell's family to begin his return to Country.
Police spent time with the family at Mt Dare, sharing stories and cultural practices around a campfire, including the cooking of malu (kangaroo) tail in the coals.
On the morning of Thursday 28 June, SAPOL members joined the family, SA Museum and community representatives at a ceremony in Mt Dare, before travelling to the burial site in Witjira National Park, near the Northern Territory border, for Mr Cowell's burial.
Following the ceremony, police accompanied the family to Dalhousie Springs, a significant traditional meeting place, where Dreamtime stories and cultural traditions were shared.
Sergeant David Finlayson said it was a deeply moving experience to be involved in such an important cultural event.
"It was a privilege to be part of returning Mr Cowell to his Country and to stand alongside his family during such a significant moment," Sgt Finlayson said.
"Spending time with the family, sharing stories, and witnessing the strength of culture and connection to Country was something I'll never forget."
