On the 30th anniversary of National Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders, the Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders exhibition brings into focus the community's tumultuous history and how in its aftermath a new community was born.

While Australian South Sea Islander experiences are intricately woven into the tapestry of this country's diverse cultural landscape, this part of Australia's story remains relatively unknown. Join exhibition curators on a free, guided tour through Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders to hear personal insights, stories and reflections on the making of this landmark exhibition.

Upcoming tours

• 2pm, Sunday 16 February 2025
• 10am, Tuesday 11 March 2025 
• 9.45am, Thursday 24 April 2025
• 1pm, Saturday 17 May 2025 
• 9.45am, Tuesday 10 June 2025
• 9.45am, Thursday 10 July 2025

The tours are free and bookings are recommended.

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More Information

Where is the meeting point?

Please meet the curator at the Information Desk in the main foyer on Level 2.

What is the tour duration?

The tour runs for approximately 45 minutes. This time varies depending on the group size, accessibility requirements, and questioning. All efforts are made for the tour to be finished within 60 minutes maximum.

Cancellation

Due to factors outside of our control, the tour may be cancelled with limited notice. All efforts will be made to notify ticket holders in this instance.

About the exhibition

More than just sugar, the histories and lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islanders are intricately woven into the tapestry of this country’s diverse cultural landscape. However, this part of Australia’s story remains relatively unknown. On the 30th anniversary of National Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders, Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders brings into focus the community’s tumultuous history and how in its aftermath a new community was born.

Come and take a moment to be a part of history and say our name, Australian South Sea Islanders.

"Strength and resilience are words we use to describe ourselves and we, Australian South Sea Islanders – or South Sea People – truly embody these qualities. Our community descends from South Sea Islanders blackbirded, coerced, taken and recruited into forced and unforced labour on Queensland’s sugar and cotton plantations in the late 19th century. Once called ‘the forgotten people’, Australian South Sea Islanders have a unique cultural identity and are a proud community who are still here today." Imelda Miller, Curator, Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders

#SayOurNameQM #ASSI30Years

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Accessibility 

Tours will be Auslan interpreted on 12 October 2024, 12 December 2024, 11 March 2025, 17 May 2025 and 10 July 2025.

This exhibition features:
 Very low light
 Seating area
 Light projections

This exhibition features low-level lighting and monochromatic colours. People with visual impairment may need additional assistance in navigating the space.

For accessibility assistance and resources for this exhibition, please visit our accessibility page or contact the museum on (07) 3153 3000.

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Acknowledgements

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian South Sea Islander visitors are advised that this display contains images and accounts of people who have passed away. We also advise that any racist and derogatory language contained in the display is ‘of its time’ and does not reflect the contemporary views of Queensland Museum. We have preserved this as part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation and to help our audiences understand both past and ongoing experiences of Australian First Nations people.

Queensland Museum extends respect and gratitude to the Australian South Sea Islander community for sharing their stories with us. We extend our respects to Elders of the Australian South Sea Islander community who have made significant contributions to our community’s cultural fabric and worked hard to increase awareness and visibility of Australian South Sea Islander histories, heritage and experiences.

Queensland Museum acknowledges our partner State Library of Queensland, support from Queensland State Archives, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, National Archives of Australia, and the Australian Research Council for funding the project - Archaeology, collections and Australian South Sea Islander lived identities.