Seisia IKC: technology hub
By Indigenous Services | 2 September 2022
Seisia IKC opened on this day, 2nd September, in 2005, a time when IKCs across the state began embracing innovative technology-based literacy programs.
Programs included Have you Heard, a listening station for audiobooks that could accommodate multiple users at one time, and I Can Sing, I Can Read, a program harnessing the fun and popularity of karaoke.
Volunteer program officer recruitment poster for I Can Sing, I Can Read at Seisia IKC, 2005.
Establishing the IKC while technology-based programs were flourishing had a lasting impact. Today, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council positions the IKC as a technology hub for the region. This evolution was no accident and is thanks to the passion of successive IKC staff advocating for the digital needs of Seisia residents.
A great example of a successful technology-based program developed locally is a youth-focused music program based on GarageBand software. The program launched in 2014 and was so successful participants formed the band SK Boiiz and have performed at national festivals.
SK Boiiz band t-shirt.
The Seisia IKC is one of five IKCs operated by the NPARC in partnership with the State Library of Queensland. The IKCs are located at Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon and Umagico.
Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) region
The NPA region is made up of five Indigenous communities, Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Seisia and Umagico. There are IKCs located in each community.
The name Seisia has an interesting meaning and historical significance, learn more about Seisia and the region here, https://www.nparc.qld.gov.au/our-community/home.
Exploring the collection
If you’d like to explore some of State Library’s collection items relating to Seisia, we have a few suggestions in the links below:
- 29173 Mick Richards Music Photographs.
Band performing at Seisia Fishing Club, Cape York, March 2007, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland - Seisia Tombstone Opening Photographs, 1996, Mick Richards, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
- Seisia Collection, Far North Queensland Indigenous Communities, Mick Richards 2007, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
- Mary Yeolu and friend, Seisia, 1998. Michael Aird Photographs, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Celebrating 20 years for IKCs
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 IKC/s play in their communities, as libraries, meeting places, hubs and keeping places.
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