Preserving First Nations cultural heritage

A research-led initiative will address how Indigenous history and heritage is appropriately collected and stored, as part of a broader enterprise for Indigenous communities to achieve archival self-determination and to make international connections. 

Dr Kirsten Thorpe and Dr Lauren Booker from Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) are leading a project with the Indigenous Archives and Data Stewardship Hub as part of a partnership with the Clegg Foundation. 

“Indigenous people have been historically dislocated from various types of materials collected about their history and heritage,” said Dr Kirsten Thorpe.

“First Nations archives are crucial for language and cultural revitalisation, serving as vital tools for truth telling, healing and reparations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

The Hub is a community-led research project at the forefront of the fight for Indigenous sovereignty in archives and data. The aim of the project is to reshape traditional archival models through the application of appropriate Indigenous protocols and the recognition of Indigenous Intellectual and Cultural Property Rights (ICIP) within the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sector. 

Adhering to the principles of the Indigenous Data Sovereignty, the Hub aims to build community capacity to care for and use of Indigenous cultural heritage artefacts on Country and in digital spaces, supporting communities to access and reclaim historical records and collections, achieving archival self-determination through community participation and accountability. 

The Hub also advocates for libraries and archives to reform their policies and practices to support culturally appropriate ownership and management, ultimately supporting the ongoing preservation of Indigenous knowledges. 

Far from being restricted to the Australian GLAM landscape, the UTS Jumbunna Research Institute, through the NSW Australian Mukurtu Hub, has established a formal partnership with the Mukurtu Project. 

This is a collaboration with leading universities including Washington State University, the University of Oregon, Yale Libraries, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Hawaii Manoa, Alaska Native Language Archive and the University of California Los Angeles.

The product of this collaboration is the Mukurtu Content Management System (an Indigenous CMS), a free, mobile, and open-source platform to inform and socialise digital cultural heritage best practices. 

The Hub is actively creating breakthrough research and dialogue between First Nations communities on an international scale, advocating for community-controlled archiving and digital stewardship of artefacts of deep cultural significance. Indigenous protocols and the recognition of Indigenous Intellectual and Cultural Property Rights (ICIP) are at the heart of this innovative archival model. 

Brett Clegg spoke passionately about his family foundation’s support for the work being done by Dr Thorpe and Dr Booker. 

“I've long observed and admired Jumbunna for its many contributions to Indigenous well-being and advancement across a broad range of legal and policy issues. It is a unique and special place that is helping produce and foster a vibrant new wave of Indigenous researchers and policy experts,” Mr Clegg said.

“More recently, I had the opportunity to learn about the important work at Jumbunna in the management and stewardship of Indigenous cultural heritage. I am really delighted to be supporting Kirsten Thorpe and Lauren Booker, two exceptional leading academics with great passion and energy for their work and communities." 

Lindon Coombes, Director, Jumbunna Research, Indigenous Leadership and Engagement said: “Throughout its history, Jumbunna Research has provided significant contributions to the well-being of First Nations peoples by implementing a strength-based approach in our Indigenous led research programs in direct consultation with local communities.

“Dr Thorpe and Dr Booker’s research in archives and data stewardship is a prime example of our commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and cultural resilience, building our community’s capacity to preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultural heritage on Country and in digital spaces.

 “I welcome the support of the Clegg Foundation in this sector, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Intellectual and Cultural Property Rights in library, archive, and museum practices.”