Last week I watched a story about the illegal trade of Aboriginal bones in the 19th century. It was incredibly confronting. Forensic autopsies on skeletons returned to Australia by a German museum revealed head wounds and malnutrition.

It was a shocking insight into the brutality and cruel conditions endured by Aboriginal people who worked for the West Australian pearling industry more than 120 years ago. Members of the Yawuru and Karajarri people suffered anguish as they travelled many thousands of kilometres to retrieve the bones of their ancestors.

BHP CEO Andrew Mackenzie with Professor Megan Davis, pro vice-chancellor Indigenous at UNSW, and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Credit:Trevor Collens

Many others are still waiting for their ancestors’ remains to be returned. Their grief had been passed on from generations before them.

This story reminds me that we cannot afford to ignore the realities of the past even as we seek to create a better future together.