First Nations Initiatives & Programs
Queensland Museum Apology
Queensland Museum has historically played a significant role as a collector of cultural material belonging to First Nations Peoples. These past collecting practices are inappropriate and considered unacceptable today.
Vision statement
Queensland Museum acknowledges that we have been working on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land since we began in 1862. As an organisation, Queensland Museum understands the important contribution Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders have made and will continue to make in protecting, preserving and exhibiting the collections in our care. We are committed to the process of reconciliation and recognise this will be a period of listening, reflection and change.
Purpose statement
Queensland Museum commits to ensuring representation and respectfully showcasing the contributions and stories of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders through our research, exhibitions and programming. Queensland Museum is a place of research, collections and stories, and our journey of reconciliation will ensure that inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities forms an integral part of what we do.
Initiatives
Building community awareness, and presenting authentic, inspiring stories that sets the scene in Queensland for reflection, truth-telling and celebration.
Learn more about Queensland Museum’s Summer Research program for First Nations undergraduate students.
Find out more about Queensland Museum’s Repatriation Program and assistance to First Nations communities.
Discover more
Learn about the rich cultures and histories of First Nations Queensland Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, World Cultures and Pacific peoples.
Since 1862, we’ve been dedicated to collecting and researching Queensland's unique natural and cultural heritage.
Learn about the Australian South Sea Islander communities researching their histories to preserve for future generations.
Explore the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre (TATSICC) collection and learn about the museum’s role as collection custodians.
Explore the rich relationships of ancient First Nations communities – their trade, customs and connections – with our Connections across the Coral Sea virtual tour.
Learn more through our Queensland Museum blogs.
Painting on bark from Hopevale. Artist unknown. Image: Queensland Museum.
You might be interested in
Queensland Museum is the keeping place for the State Collection of more than 1.2 million items.
The Queensland Philosophical Society founded the original Queensland Museum on 20 January 1862. From that small room in the Old Windmill on Wickham Terrace, Queensland Museum now consists of four public tourist attractions and many outreach services.
Become a member, join our team or support us by donating, providing a cultural gift or bequest, or through a corporate partnership.