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state library of queensland

National Reconciliation Week

Dancers of the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group at the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival

National Reconciliation Week

27 May – 3 June 2024

Join us in recognition and support of National Reconciliation Week 2024.

We proudly join the nationwide effort to honour and strengthen the bonds between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through our First Nations collections and engaging events, we invite you to explore the rich cultural heritage, resilient history, and vibrant future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Together, let’s make this National Reconciliation Week a time of reflection, learning, and shared progress.

Explore our events and related articles below and be part of the journey towards a more inclusive Australia. 

Events

First Nations performers waiting side stage to perform at Laura Quinkan Dance Festival
Deaf in dance
Experience the vibrant and rhythmically charged world of the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG), where the art of movement becomes a powerful expression of culture, identity, and resilience. Take a walk through our latest showcase in kuril dhagun, Deaf in dance, and explore our collection of portrait artworks and photographs of DIDG. Spanning over 27 years of community impact and engagement, DIDG is a testament to the universal language of dance. The art form breaks barriers and challenges preconceptions as it celebrates the diversity and strength of Indigenous communities, by embracing the innovation and creativity that characterise their performances.
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Rhyme time in kuril dhagun
Rhyme time in kuril dhagun

Every Wed · 10–10:30am

Recommended for children aged 0 - 5. Join us at kuril dhagun for a lively sing-along featuring all your favourite songs and rhymes! Learn some fun games, yarn about the world around us, and discover the vibrant artworks and resources celebrating First Nations people and communities. Did you know a kuril is a native marsupial found near kurilpa point, while dhagun means earth, place or country. Learn to say g’day in one of hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, connect with First Nations stories through specially selected picture books and enjoy the view of the beautiful Maiwar river. No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun. First 5 Forever is a family-centred program providing free playful experiences to support Queensland families on their child’s journey through the first 5 years. The program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.
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Children playing together
Song circle with Mama Tun
Recommended for children aged 0 – 8. Join Mama Tun, a proud Torres-Strait and Aboriginal woman for a morning of music and songs. Discover new tunes and some old favourites and build connection with others through a special art making project at the end of each session. This artist-in-residence program will be available weekly with families invited to join in some exciting community performances during Holiday fun and NAIDOC week in July. Whether you attend once or become a regular, come and share in the joy of singing and help us nurture this special community together. No previous singing experience needed - everyone is welcome! No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun. First 5 Forever is a family-centred program providing free playful experiences to support Queensland families on their child’s journey through the first 5 years. The program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.
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The Corner, Joe Ruckli, 2024
Reconciliation Week in The Corner
This week we will be acknowledging Reconciliation Week in The Corner, Monday 27 May – Monday 3 June. During Reconciliation Week, all families visiting The Corner are invited to celebrate this important occasion through storytelling and discussion during our 10 am sessions followed by an invitation to contribute to a large scale community mural that will grow over the week. The mural will be comprised of hand cut outs that will be collaged to create the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, providing an opportunity to discuss these important symbols with children and families. No bookings required for this free activity. Just drop in to have some fun. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.
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Languages and stories

Visual identity designed by Galimbaa.
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.
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Blue leaf texture
Hi, I’m Eddie podcast
Host Rhianna Patrick brings you on a journey to get to know Eddie Mabo and the case to understand the legacy he left behind.
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First Nations woman in the State Library Talking Circle instructing a group of people around her.
First Nations cultures
State Library of Queensland 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.
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2024 black&write! Fellows announced

Each year black&write! offers two Fellowships for First Nations writers.
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A compilation image of the black&write! book covers

Significant collections

George Sibley, Tindale Genealogical Collection
Tindale Genealogical collection
Norman Tindale was an anthropologist based at the South Australian Museum. He recorded vast amounts of genealogical and other information about First Nations communities from all over Australia, the majority being collected during the 1920s and 1930s.
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Pencil drawing portraits of the heads and shoulders of three First Nations children
Margaret Lawrie Collection
Margaret Lawrie recorded many Torres Strait Islander genealogies between 1964 and 1973. Find out if your family is included in the collection.
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Who's Your Mob?

Tracing your First Nations family history and don't know where to start? Discover key resources for family history research.
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First Nations family outside wood building.

Library Shop

Book cover for "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait" with colour sketch of First Nations person holding onto the legs of a pelican in flight

Myths & Legends of Torres Strait

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Kindred Spirits: plants & people by State Library of Queensland

Kindred Spirits: Plants and People

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Bogimbah Creek Mission by Fiona Foley

Bogimbah Creek Mission

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Legacy: Reflections on Mabo

Legacy: Reflections on Mabo

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Aboriginal Australia Map

Aboriginal Australia Map

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Resources for teachers

Discover the rich tapestry of First Nations languages and delve into their cultural significance through curriculum-aligned learning resources.
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Students at State Library with teacher