Out of the Port - Photography and Aboriginal Identity in South-East Queensland

In today's Out of the Port lunchtime lecture author, freelance curator and anthropologist Michael Aird discussed the importance of historical photographs in enabling Aboriginal people to assert their connection to community and country.

In his presentation Michael explored the various research methods he used to identify aboriginal people in images going back to the 1860s taken in the South East Queensland region and key photographers operating out of Brisbane.

Michael's pioneering research in the area of Aboriginal familial, cultural, and social history, as revealed in the photographic record, can be further explored in publications such as Portraits of our Elders and Brisbane Blacks. In 1996 he established Keeaira Press, an independent publishing house.

This talk was presented by the State Library in association with the Department of Environment and Resource Management Heritage Branch. Out of the Port lectures occur on the third Wednesday of every month in Auditorium 2, level 2, State Library of Qld. Sessions are recorded and made available through the State Library's website.

Thanks very much to Michael Aird and to all who attended this tremendous session.