Iama IKC: more than a library

In 2012, discussions between State Library of Queensland, Mayor Gela, local government members, schools, and community groups throughout the Torres Strait, identified a need for more family literacy and cultural education projects. Through funding from State Library’s Expanding Horizon grant, the ‘Stories Under Tagai’ project was brought to life. With additional funding from The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), TSIRC and Torres Shire Council, the project was delivered to six locations: Badu, Hammond Island, Iama, Mabuiag, Poruma and Thursday Island.

Divisional Managers and IKC staff of Iama consulted with the community to tailor the project to meet their artistic and cultural interests and vision. The team organised dates and venues, identifying cultural brokers, storytellers, rangers, artists, local experts and other staff to participate.

With consultation completed, the IKC Coordinator organised ‘Stories Under Tagai’ –the story of Aka Medthre – to be undertaken as a two-day workshop during the Easter holidays. The Iama Community converged in the IKC and participated in bringing the story of Aka Medthre to life. In storytelling by Cr Walter Mackie, artist Glen Mackie captured the story as a mural on the Dawita Cultural Centre wall (which is still there today). An evening activity was planned to use the app 'Star Walk' installed on several iPads, and Ranger David Baragud took the children, adults, and Elders of Iama on a star gazing journey.

If you’d like to explore some of State Library’s collection items relating to Iama Island, we have a few suggestions in the links below:

• Iama Wakai Tusi/Voices of Iama: Traditional and Contemporary Music and Dance of Iama/Yam Island
  Annotated and produced by Will Kepa, Karl Neuenfeldt, and Nigel Pegrum: accompanying DVD filmed by Murray Lui and edited by Brett Charles. The DVD consists of a mixture of interview material, music and dance performances, and scenic and environmental information that help the viewer gain a sense of place and space.

• TR 1791 Margaret Lawrie Collection of Torres Strait Islands Material 1964-1998
  Material relating to Margaret Lawrie and the Torres Strait Islands, including the book, Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait, which includes a section on Boigu Island.

• Yam, Island of Torres Strait/photography & coordination: Travis Teske; information (et al) 
  Pictorial study of Yam Island for schools; community including history and genealogies; facilities and services; ceremonial sites; mythology; natural well.

In 2002, the first Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) were developed in partnership with then Aboriginal Community and Island Councils across Queensland. Seven IKCs were opened in 2002 with many more to follow over the years.

This year thirteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Shire and Regional Councils will celebrate the role their IKCs play in their communities; as libraries, meeting places, hubs and keeping places.