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.

Since 1862, the Queensland Museum has ‘acquired’ Ancestral Remains, Secret Sacred Objects and Cultural Material from across Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and the Pacific without consent. It is acknowledged that these past practices of Queensland Museum were not respectful of and did not recognise the significance and cultural importance of this material to First Nations Peoples. We also recognise that First Nations staff may not have been treated equally. Consequently, opportunities and career paths available to First Nations staff have been limited.

Queensland Museum apologises for these actions, and the deep pain and suffering caused to First Nations communities. We acknowledge this trauma continues today.

Queensland Museum understands its role as temporary custodian for First Nations Peoples Ancestral Remains, Secret Sacred Objects and Cultural Material held onsite at Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Brisbane and Queensland Museum Tropics, Townsville. Our First Nations team is honoured to provide respectful and dignified care for these Ancestors, Secret Sacred Objects and Cultural Material.

Over the last few decades, Queensland Museum has been addressing past practices through consultation with First Nations Peoples and repatriating their Ancestors and Cultural Material back to Country and Community.

We recognise that repatriation is a basic human right, and the single greatest act of reparation for past injustices available to Queensland Museum.

Queensland Museum is committed to reconciliation and reframing our relationships with First Nations Peoples to forge a path towards healing and justice.