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First Nations woman in the State Library Talking Circle instructing a group of people around her.

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First Nations cultures

First Nations cultures

State Library collects, preserves and shares the documentary heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the State. Through consultation and collaboration, the State Library's collections serve as a central point of access and programming, including exhibitions and showcases, family history workshops, language research, and contemporary storytelling.

Two young people and an older woman chatting.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages

Did you know there are over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups in Queensland? State Library of Queensland supports communities in the revival, documentation and preservation of traditional languages. We acknowledge language heritage and knowledge always remain with the Traditional Owners, Elders, language custodians and other community members of the respective language nation.

Researchers exploring the State Library collections

State Library assists Queenslanders with Family History through collections access, research, comprehensive resources, and workshops. Discover how to start your journey.

Australian South Sea Islanders and their families exploring the Plantation Voices White Gloves Experience

The histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland are diverse, rich and alive.

Expo City Marching Band show at the Piazza

Connect with the uniquely Queensland stories shared in exhibitions past and present.

Annie Sibley, Palm Island, 7 November 1938, Tindale Genealogical Collection

Learn more about our collections through our latest blogs.

Professor Anita Heiss talking about her book, Our Race to Reconciliation, at a Night by the fire event during National Reconciliation Week 2018.

Contemporary stories

Through programming and collection acquisitions, State Library records and shares contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, reawakening knowledge and keeping culture strong.

kuril dhagun, Joe Ruckli, 2022

kuril dhagun has been State Library’s centre for Queensland's unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures since 2006. kuril dhagun promotes and celebrates Queensland’s First Peoples' cultures, histories and stories. It is a gathering place for all people to engage, share, listen and learn through an ongoing public program of showcases and events.

A map of Australia with black and green lines showing Aboriginal communities

Community history

Connection to country and community plays a central role in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Many communities have faced disruption and disconnection, affecting the very lives of the people who call them home.

A woman in a colourful shirt plays with a cockatoo puppet in an Indigenous Knowledge Centre. The child she is playing with is out of frame.

Indigenous Knowledge Centres

IKCs communal hubs that combine traditional library services with a keeping place for recording, accessing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of Queensland.