CONCEPT PAPER FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN HISTORY & CULTURE

This paper has been produced as a guide only. There would need to be a great deal of consultation prior to this concept coming to fruition. The document was produced with significant input from a number of people, some of whom wish to remain anonymous. AIM: To establish a centre for Indigenous Australian History and Culture, (for the purposes of this paper, The Centre) The Centre will document and exhibit the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Australians, preserving the memories and stories of individuals and communities. It will display the rich legacy of Indigenous Australians through its archives, library, education centre and museum. The idea is to create an internationally recognised, top quality, integrated and comprehensive centre that tells the story of Indigenous Australians. Containing the worlds largest repository of information on Indigenous Australians, The Centre will be a leader in Indigenous Australian history, culture, education, commemoration, art, research and documentation and will be accessed by visitors, students and academics. The Centre is not to be a proponent of a particular view of Indigenous Australian history and culture, but rather a place where examples of the culture and history can be seen together. This project is not to be, nor be perceived as, paternalistic. The Centre will, by its very nature, be a place for reconciliation and hope. There are a number of examples of this concept. The Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian in New York. (http://nmai.si.edu) Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, The Simon Wiesenthal Centre / Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, (http://anacostia.si.edu) WHERE TO: An advisory/exploratory committee needs to be established. This committee will include Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders who share the vision for this project and who will bring skills and knowledge to the project. They will have sufficient profile and nonpartisan credibility to drive the project forward. It is suggested that The Centre is developed as a not-for-profit foundation, There will be a need to raise funds at the appropriate time. These funds can be sourced from governments, businesses, foundations and the public. Indigenous Australians continue to face numerous challenges. This project provides an opportunity to capitalise on Prime Minister Kevin Rudds 2008 apology. The opportunity exists for this project to be a springboard to uplift and honour the spirit of Indigenous Australians, to share their rich history and culture with the rest of society and to look to a brighter future. Widespread consultation will be an integral aspect of this project. Politically, socially, culturally, the time is right to begin this project. The Prime Minister has apologised; by and large, there is great good will towards Aboriginal people. Attachment (A) contains a number of suggestions that may be of use to an exploratory/advisory committee. This is not a prescriptive document. Marcelle Hoff

mhoff@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

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ATTACHMENT (A)

CONCEPT PAPER FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN HISTORY & CULTURE
The following words are merely suggestions that may add to, or stimulate, the creative thoughts of others who are interested in this project. This document is not intended to be prescriptive. THE JOURNEY: The City of Sydneys Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan includes a proposal whereby people with an interest in Aboriginal history and culture can embark on a journey from Redfern through the city and down to the harbour. The journey will take in various sites that were significant to the original custodians of this land. It would seem obvious to include The Centre as a major component of this journey. PASSAGEWAY THROUGH THE CENTRE: A process, starting at the entrance to The Centre, may take visitors on a journey from the earliest origins of Indigenous Australians (over 50,000 years ago) through the various milestones and events in their history. An example of this type of process can be viewed at http://www.cyberdreaming.com.au/Virtual-Warrane The aroma of eucalyptus, smoke etc., could be utilised to provide a multi-sensory experience. Traditional Aboriginal music would be a feature. The Centre could include both positive and negative elements of white settlement, ending in an affirmative look towards the future. THE ARCHITECTURE: The building design could demand a continuous forward movement for visitors who cannot by-pass exhibits but must take the entire journey, spending more or less time at stations along the way as determined by specific personal interest. THE PROCESS: The Centre could have guides, many of whom would be Aboriginal people. There may be Aboriginal elders/leaders/witnesses who will man specific stations/exhibits along the way. E.g. the exhibit on the Stolen Generation may have representatives of this group who would be willing to tell their own stories. There may be an opportunity to include an exhibit / reference to / acknowledgement of Righteous White Fellas those non-Aboriginal Australians who have contributed, who have assisted Aboriginal people in an extraordinary way, perhaps often against prevailing norms and laws. There could be the opportunity to purchase various merchandise at a museum shop or one could dine at a museum caf/ restaurant. It is suggested that bush tucker be part of the menu. ARCHIVES and LIBRARY A comprehensive library of Indigenous Australian archives, books, artefacts, art and multimedia would cater for students, scholars and visitors. An online presence would provide an international resource centre.

mhoff@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

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EDUCATION CENTRE The Cenre could provide facilities for in-house education, seminars and lectures for visitors, students and scholars. Programs, courses and materials produced here can be made available for educational purposes throughout Australia and overseas. NAMING The Centre and its elements will be given Aboriginal names that will become nationally and internationally synonymous with The Centre and will represent the intent of its being. LOCATION As Australias global city, Sydney would seem to be the ideal location. A contribution of land /facilities/finances by Local, State and Federal governments would be a crucial element of this projects success. The Centre will it be a significant civic contribution to Indigenous Australians, a means to perpetuate the rich history and culture of Aboriginal People, and a practical embodiment of reconciliation, as well as a major domestic and international education and tourist destination. Suggested sites include Redfern, Pier 2/3, Barangaroo, Cockatoo Island, Snapper Island and Goat Island. (Goat Island was called Mel Mel by the original custodians. Mel Mel means eye. According to Aboriginal legend, a serpent lies in the harbour with various islands representing parts of the serpents body. Goat Island is the eye of the serpent.)

mhoff@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

CIAHC 2/08