The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement to build a revamped Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP said “The transformation of AIATSIS will include a National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre that will ensure the world’s oldest living cultures can be celebrated by all. The National Resting Place will complement the government’s repatriation program, and address the absence of a culturally-appropriate facility to house and care for limited provenance First Nations Ancestors returned from overseas.”
Ms Jodie Sizer, Chairperson, AIATSIS Council said “Ngurra, encompassing the National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre will ensure that modern, fit-for-purpose and world-class facilities are developed to protect and share our collections for decades to come. This internationally revered and critically important national asset deserves world-class facilities to continue to nurture and safeguard its significance”.
Ngurra will enhance AIATSIS's position as Australia’s only national cultural institution exclusively dedicated to telling the stories of Australia's First Peoples, their history and their cultures.
Mr Leonard Hill, Interim Chief Executive Officer, AIATSIS said “the Precinct will also include a National Resting Place which will house and care for limited provenance Ancestors repatriated from overseas in a culturally appropriate way and with deep respect. The repatriation of Ancestors and cultural heritage material offers healing to First Nations peoples and allows communities to fulfil cultural obligations by returning Ancestors to Country. The support of this work is also a vital part of the process of truth-telling and cross-cultural reconciliation.” said Mr Hill.
“A National Resting Place will be a private and quiet place on the Acton Peninsula and will provide a reverent, respectful place for Ancestors to be cared for according to cultural protocols until their return to Country - the realisation of a long-held aspiration of First Nations communities.”
The announcement to locate Ngurra on the Acton Peninsula, Canberra, allows for much needed refurbishments and upgrades to the current AIATSIS facilities. AIATSIS is home to an incomparably unique collection of academic research materials and works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge keepers, artists, film makers, storytellers and writers. This announcement recognises the significance of AIATSIS and our contribution to deepening understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and cultures over the past six decades.
AIATSIS acknowledges the Government prioritising our vision to create a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, knowledge, culture and stories are recognised, respected, celebrated and valued.
As we celebrate a significant milestone this year – our 60th anniversary, we reflect on how far we have come and the opportunities Ngurra presents.