State Library of Queensland > Collections > Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE

Crab, a watercolour by Lockey Tom of Boigu Island, Margaret Lawrie Collection, 1971

Explore Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders: Crab, a watercolour by Lockey Tom of Boigu Island, 1971, Margaret Lawrie Collection, Call No. TR1791/252

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history has existed for more than 40 000 years. It is written in the landscape, depicted in artwork, told in dreamtime stories, spoken by elders and only recently placed on paper.

The State Library of Queensland collects a range of material pertaining to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, including photographs, ephemera, posters, oral histories and digital stories. We also feature Indigenous art and artists of national significance.

Margaret Lawrie Collection of Torres Strait Islands material

Margaret Lawrie gathered information and material about the myths, legends, languages, history, art and culture of the Torres Strait Islands between 1964 and 1973.

Above: Watercolour and crayon by Ephraim Bani, 'Amipuru', 1967, Margaret Lawrie Collection, Call No. TR 1791/349

Tindale Genealogical Collection

With copies of genealogical information and photographs for some Queensland Aboriginal communities, the Tindale Genealogical Collection is a great resource for family history research.

Response to the Apology: Queenslanders reflect

A project to capture responses to the Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on behalf of the Parliament of Australia.

Digital collections

Digital collections highlight a range of material relating to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.

Above: Original girl = Mari miyay, Michelle Witheyman-Crump, 2007, Call No. JUV 899.153 WIT

How do I access items in this collection?

Access at the State Library of Queensland

Find items in the collection via our One Search catalogue.
Browse Levels 2, 3 and 4 or request items from on-site ‘Closed Access’ storage with your e-services card. If you order Closed Access items via the One Search catalogue ahead of your visit, items should be waiting for you when you arrive. You can order up to 3 days in advance. See delivery times for more information.
Use our e-collections computers on level 2 to search the library’s catalogue; to search our databases for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles and to view images and manuscripts from our collection. These e-collections computers do not need to be booked and have no time limits on their use.
You can also access our electronic resources via the State Library’s free wireless service if you have a laptop. Check our Info Guide on how to access wireless for details.

Access off-site

You can access selected offsite databases to search for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles. You will be prompted to login with your e-services card or QPL account.
Some State Library items are available for loan to other libraries. Contact your local library for information about interlibrary loan and copy services.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander material and information accessed on this site may be culturally sensitive for some individuals and communities. Refer to the State Library of Queensland's Protocols for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections for further information.

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Last updated: 24th January 2012

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