The central thrust of this article is that modernist state interventions, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy enterprise, fail because they pay no attention to the knowledge, perspectives and practices embodied in and created by Indigenous people.

This report synthesises the main research findings that emerged from the Preserve, Strengthen and Renew in Community (PSR) project.

AIATSIS has developed this guide to ensure that research with and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples follows a process of meaningful engagement and reciprocity between the researcher and the individuals and/or communities involved in the research.

This document summarises the findings of the Return of Cultural Heritage (RoCH) project led by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). It is supported by a series of community case study reports which provide further detail on the community partnerships, engagement and return processes undertaken as part of the project.

This report supports what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have consistently asserted about the importance of language; speaking language provides cultural, social and economic benefits to individuals, communities and the nation.