First Nations Wikipedian in Residence
By Bianca Valentino, 2023 First Nations Wikipedian in Residence | 20 July 2023
Bianca Valentino, First Nations Wikipedian in Residence.
My name is Bianca. I’m a Blak storyteller, editor, researcher, creative and dreamer living on Yugambeh Country, working on Turrbal & Yuggera Country. I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians & Elders of all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander nations.
My role as a First Nations Wikipedian in Residence at State Library of Queensland over ten weeks has been an insightful and wonderful experience. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to the representation of Indigenous people, knowledge and cultures on Wikipedia using the invaluable resources of State Library's catalogue and collections. Specifically, I have been researching, creating and improving Wikipedia entries relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Collaboration with Library Staff
I had the privilege of forging connections with the passionate State Library staff. Collaborating closely with the library's Indigenous team members (who bring unique perspectives and expertise to the library service), librarians, and archivists has given me a deeper understanding of the library's vast collections and resources.
Opening Doors to Wider Access
Over this time, I also engaged with First Nations community members that have offered me invaluable guidance, ensuring my work is rooted in cultural authenticity. Through this process, I focused on opening doors to wider access of Indigenous content appropriate to share, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into Wikipedia articles and enrich the platform with our diverse perspectives.
State Library of Queensland repository, level 4.
Access to Valuable Resources
State Library's OneSearch catalogue opened up a world of possibilities for my research and content creation. I unearthed a wealth of relevant books, journal articles, clippings, photographs, oral histories, vinyl and digital recordings, songs, video, posters, and music-related paraphernalia, that shed light on Indigenous cultures, histories, and languages. By immersing myself in the catalogue's offerings, I discovered specific subject headings, keywords, and cross-references that have expanded my search and led me to hidden treasures.
Unearthing Gems
Some of the treasures I found in the archives were:
Singer, Wilma Reading, at the Primitif Coffee Lounge, Brisbane, 1955-1965. 32929 Peter Hackworth photographs and ephemera, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 32929-0001-0182.
First Nations singer, Wilma Reading, from Cairns, Queensland, had an international career, touring in the United States with jazz musician Duke Ellington and appearing at the London Palladium. In 2019 she was inducted into Hall of Fame at the Australian National Indigenous Music Awards.
Jackie Anderson, Angus Rabbitt and Freddie Douglas singing on stage at the Cherbourg Welfare Hall in 1960. 31030, Box 715, Jackie Anderson, Angus Rabbitt and Freddie Douglas at the Cherbourg Welfare Hall, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Aboriginal music old and new from Lockhart River, North Queensland. Produced by St. James Church Council, Lockhart River, 1972. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Djambidj an Aboriginal song series from Northern Australia / performed by Frank Gurrmanamana, Frank Malkorda, Sam Gumugun ; recorded by Bryan Butler ; edited by Bryan Butler and Stephen Wild, 1981. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Voice EP / Ethan Enoch, 2022. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
The first Australians : songs by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, 197?. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Australian Aboriginal music / edited by Jennifer Isaacs, 1979. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Brisbane blacks / Michael Aird, Keeaira Press, 1963. John Oxley Library, State Libray of Queensland.
Stylin Up Festival poster, 2002. 30506, Stylin' Up Festival Collection, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Young Aboriginal rock band "No Fixed Address" performing at the University of Adelaide. "No Fixed Address" is one of the groups to emerge from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music in Adelaide. Photo courtesy Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
I was especially excited when I found invaluable documents that provided firsthand accounts and perspectives from fellow mob on their experiences, traditions, creations, and events. It is incredibly important for more Indigenous narratives to be sourced to expand the collection. It helps address historical gaps, as Indigenous perspectives and stories have been marginalised or often excluded from mainstream narratives; this is slowly improving. Including more Indigenous narratives in State Library's collection would help rectify this imbalance. While looking through the archives, I also noticed materials relating to Indigenous life and stories that could be digitised and enhance their access and reach.
Digital Stories of interest:
I heard it on the radio : 25 years of 98.9 FM Murri Country digital stories, 2019, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Seaman Dan, an award-winning Torres Strait Islander singer-songwriter. Storylines - Q150 digital stories, 2009, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Empowering Indigenous Editors
As First Nations Wikipedian in Residence, it was my goal to foster awareness and collaboration within the broader Wikipedia community. Along with Wikimedia’s James Gaunt, I organised and facilitated an editathon on June 22 at State Library's The Edge. We invited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants to leverage State Library's catalogue as a source for the creation and improvement of Wikipedia pages. Through these initiatives, we empower Indigenous editors and contributors, ensuring their voices are amplified on this global platform.
Bianca and a participant of the Wikipedia Edit-a-thon, June 2023.
Rewriting the Narrative
By tapping into the array of information stored within State Library's collection, I have been able to contribute to the accurate and inclusive representation of fellow First Nations peoples on Wikipedia. Through building relationships, embracing primary sources, respecting cultural protocols, and engaging the Wikipedia community, we are effecting change. Together, we are rewriting the narrative, amplifying Indigenous voices, and fostering a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of our Peoples. Hopefully this project, will be a catalyst for positive change, creating a digital space where Indigenous creativity, knowledge, and stories can continue to flourish, inspire learning, promote understanding, and be celebrated for generations to come.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
Special thanks to all State Library staff, especially Lenny Webber, Reuben Hillier, Tania Schafer and Troy Keith, for coming to check on me and my progress while I was onsite, who provided a nurturing and understanding environment, and helped me navigate the collection. I also extend my gratitude to Wikimedia Australia, the Australia Council for the Arts, and the State Library of Queensland for their unwavering support and commitment to this initiative.
Bianca Valentino and State Library staff member, Lenny Webber.
Bianca Valentino
2023 First Nations Wikipedian in Residence.
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