The vision

For Indigenous Peoples, the expression of culture often spans across a spectrum of activity: according due respect to their ancestors and their traditional cultural artefacts; caring for country and waters; attending to ceremonial duties. It also incorporates contemporary expression of culture – in dance, visual arts, film, media and literature.

The link between Indigenous culture and the “health” of Indigenous community is also clear, and strong.

Too often, though, the task of interpreting and even expressing Indigenous culture is taken up by non-Indigenous people and institutions. This not only brings the potential for wrong views to emerge, but deprives the Indigenous community of the right and the privilege of representing their culture to others themselves. Community health may consequently suffer.

Queensland is the home to two distinct Indigenous cultures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in remote, regional and urban areas each practice their cultures in rich and diverse ways, and this rich expression of cultures should be treated as a cultural asset to Queensland.