Reconciliation

Over the past decade there has been significant work undertaken to incorporate improvements to our processes and procedures that enable the Australian Museum (AM) to value and centre First Nations perspectives and agency across the Museum.

The AM has presented groundbreaking and award-winning truth telling exhibitions like Unsettled and Burra learning space. At the heart of these award-winning exhibitions and programs are the voices of First Nations peoples – the stories, traditions and knowledges that we can all reflect on and learn from.

Our commitment to genuine collaboration to amplify First Nations voices has only just begun and our new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) sets out a series of actions to build on this solid ground and build a more reconciled Australia for everyone.

The AM recognises that our past exhibition, research and collecting practices did not accurately represent First Nations peoples, histories or cultures, and that biased, and often negative perceptions of First Nations peoples were portrayed as scientific truths. The AM’s Corporate Strategic Plan strives to be a cultural leader and advocate for First Nations history. The AM’s Innovate RAP will deliver continuous improvement in First Nation’s cultural business.

Reconciliation is everyone’s business and this RAP sets out clear actions and deliverables across the organisation focussing on three focus areas:

This Innovate RAP marks another key opportunity for promoting and nurturing respectful relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians through the influential platform that the Australian Museum holds as a leading cultural and scientific authority in NSW.