UNSETTLING
A new exhibition at our oldest museum provides First Nations people with an important opportunity to tell their story.
THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM is presenting one of the most significant exhibitions in its long history – Unsettled. Indigenous voices tell stories in this extraordinary showcase of Australia’s foundations and the resilience and survival of First Nations people. Personal recollections are presented through historical documents, large-scale artworks, immersive experiences and never-before-seen objects from the museum’s collections. Unsettled provides an evidence-based journey for visitors that begins with the signal fires lit by Aboriginal people as a warning when Cook sailed up the east coast in 1770, and highlights the resistance and strength of First Nations people since colonisation in 1788. Featuring more than 190 objects and images and at least 100 contributions by First Nations people from across the country,
Unsettled illuminates the power of truth-telling. Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt, a Eualayai and Gamillaroi woman and museum trustee, believes Unsettled challenges the traditional relationship between First Nations people and collecting institutions. “By privileging of the perspective and views of First Nations people, Unsettled is redefining the conversations a museum can have with the people who walk into it,” Larissa says. “Not only can they look, listen, learn and deepen their understanding, they can do so knowing they are engaging in an authentic First Nations voice and vision.” Entry is free to this landmark exhibition, which will run until 10 October.