A conference in Canberra is set to begin a national conversation about the question of ownership of Indigenous cultural artefacts, according to the founding director of the National Museum of Australia.

The three day New Encounters conference is being attended by delegates from Indigenous communities in North America, northern Europe and the Pacific Islands.

The group will discuss the rights and responsibilities of museums in caring for Indigenous collections.

Tagalaka woman Dr Dawn Casey says the issue is a divisive one.

 

Image: ABC