New book explores Indigenous histories at Westminster Abbey

Edited by the Abbey's Public Historian, Dr Renie Chow Choy, the richly illustrated book features perspectives from Indigenous contributors connected to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It looks at how the Abbey's memorials reflect histories of alliance, colonisation, faith and cultural identity and what they mean to the communities whose histories they represent.

Inviting reflection

Westminster Abbey has a long history that invites reflection. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it seeks to uphold United Nations and Commonwealth values by using its cultural heritage to address social and ethical challenges and contribute to peace, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. 

More than 80 memorials, graves and objects within the Abbey, St Margaret’s Church and the precincts relate to the former British Dominions and colonial America – nations shaped by large-scale British settlement and its lasting consequences for Indigenous Peoples.

The book considers memorials to explorers, monarchs and political, military, literary and religious figures through the histories of Indigenous Peoples: custodians of lands and waterways; petitioners before the Crown; negotiators of treaties; allies in war; translators of language; and transmitters of faith. 

In a collaboration between over fifty contributors – including clergy, parliamentary officials, academics, community historians and young people – the book explores the enduring connections between Indigenous nations, settler societies and the Abbey as a site of prayer, conscience, remembrance and global gathering.

Further reading

'Indigenous Histories at Westminster Abbey: Memorials of the British Dominions and Colonial America' is published by Scala Arts&Heritage and is available to purchase from the Abbey Shop.