QMN Reflect Reconciliation Action ... - network.qm.qld.gov.au

Acknowledgement of CountryWe acknowledge the First Peoples—the Traditional Owners of the lands where we live and work, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders—past, present and emerging—and acknowledge the important role Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders continue to play within the Queensland Museum Community.

Vision StatementQueensland Museum Network acknowledges that we have been working on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land since we began in 1862. As an organisation, Queensland Museum Network understands the important contribution Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders have made and will continue to make in protecting, preserving and exhibiting the collections in our care. We are committed to the process of reconciliation and recognise this will be a period of listening, reflection and change.

Purpose StatementQueensland Museum Network commits to ensuring representation and respectfully showcasing the contributions and stories of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders through our research, exhibitions and programming. Queensland Museum Network is a place of research, collections and stories, and our journey of reconciliation will ensure that inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities forms an integral part of what we do.

Artwork description:

The artwork on the left border is a segment from Queensland Museum Network’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan artwork.

The ten hexagons resemble Queensland Museum Network, with each carrying its own story.

From top to bottom: Mountains – building and teamwork, River Banks – direction, Wood Grain – adaptation, Tree Ageing Rings – growth, Tree Bark Sheet – creativity, Shells and Rocks – evolution, Walking Tracks – our lands, Water Ripples – our waters, People – community and Sun Beams – our skies.

Queensland Museum Network apology 4

Chair message 5

Chief Executive Officer message 6

Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee Chair message 7

Message from Reconciliation Australia 8

Our Reconciliation Action Plan 10

Our business 11

Our vision, values and purpose 12

Our Reconciliation Action Plan supporters 13

Queensland Museum Repatriation Fund 14

Our supporters on the Reconciliation Action Plan journey 14

2019–2020 Actions – Relationships 16

2019–2020 Actions – Respect 18

2019–2020 Actions – Opportunities 20

2019–2020 Actions – Governance and tracking progress 22

Appendix A – Repatriation Fund: Background information for event 24

Definitions 25

Appendix B – Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members 26

CONTENTS

Queensland Museum Network apology Queensland Museum Network has historically had a significant role as collector or custodian of Secret and/or Sacred Objects and Ancestral Remains for Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders. However, as Queensland Museum Network begins the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan journey, some past practices have been identified as inappropriate and these practices are considered unacceptable today. Since 1862, Queensland Museum Network has acquired Secret and/or Sacred Objects and Ancestral Remains from across Queensland, the Torres Strait Islands and the Pacific. It is acknowledged that some past practices of the Museum, and its staff, were not respectful of, and did not understand the significance and cultural importance of objects and human remains. Traditional owners were also not empowered to prevent the removal of their possessions. Queensland Museum Network apologises for these actions.

The Queensland Museum Network also acknowledges that in the past, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff may not have been treated equally. Consequently, opportunities and career paths available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff may have been limited.

Queensland Museum Network recognises that it is only the temporary custodian of the Secret and/or Sacred Objects and Ancestral Remains. Over the last few decades, Queensland Museum Network has been addressing past practices through consultation with Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders and communities with an aim to repatriate their ancestors and objects to their descendants.

The acknowledgement of the museum as a custodian has begun the journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

Queensland Museum Network will continue to recognise, acknowledge and collaborate with Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders and promote reconciliation and respect for their culture.(Reference to Appendix A)

4 Queensland Museum Network

Chair messageProfessor Margaret Sheil AOChair, Board of Queensland Museum

I welcome the production of Queensland Museum Network’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan—an important part of the journey to reconciliation that is essential for all cultural institutions.

Between the 1870s and 1970s, Queensland Museum and many cultural institutions worldwide acquired a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects without consent or due regard to traditional lore and custom.

Collecting practices in museums around the world have evolved over time, in keeping with changing community attitudes. The Queensland Museum Network now has in place policies of access and repatriation that have led to recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ownership and custodianship. The return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ancestral Remains, associated burial goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects is a priority for our organisation.

It is the time to create safe places to have challenging conversations about our past, present and future and, in doing so, make the campuses of the Queensland Museum Network places where all members of our community can understand and embrace their history, issues, achievements and identity.

The Board and I look forward look forward to participation in these conversations.

Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 5

Chief Executive OfficermessageDr Jim Thompson Chief Executive OfficerQueensland Museum Network

I am very pleased to present Queensland Museum Network’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

Developed by the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, this Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is an important precursor to future actions to be taken by the museum. The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is about listening and learning, rather than doing; it is our organisation’s opportunity to understand and acknowledge the past and to find out more about reconciliation issues from the perspective of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. These conversations won’t always be easy, but they are vitally important.

The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan will ensure the next stage is more meaningful, mutually beneficial and sustainable. Clearly outlining the steps we must take to improve our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan will help our organisation to cement its vision for reconciliation and explore its sphere of influence before

committing to specific reconciliation actions or initiatives.

The development of cultural competency will remain an on-going learning experience to which we are committed. We will continue to promote and celebrate Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander cultures and build cultural awareness across the organisation, within our programs and among our audiences. Reconciliation is

the responsibility of all Australians, and we take our responsibility seriously.


Queensland MuseumAboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Consultative CommitteeChair messageMr David Williams Chair, Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee

The development and endorsement of Queensland Museum Network’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is a practical step to achieve true reconciliation.

It allows staff, stakeholders and visitors a touchpoint to engage and celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the role this plays in our community in Queensland.

While acknowledging common practices that museums had in the past, we look to right these wrongs, and we embrace a framework such as the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan as a way to collectively walk a journey leading to a more inclusive and celebrated future.

On behalf of Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, I welcome this Reconciliation Action Plan. I look forward to it being implemented across the entire network and that we can look back at this as an important step towards practical reconciliation and the important role our people and communities play in helping this story to be told.


Message fromReconciliation AustraliaReconciliation Australia is delighted to welcome Queensland Museum to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program and to formally endorse its inaugural Reflect RAP.

As a member of the RAP community, Queensland Museum joins over 1000 dedicated corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations that have formally committed to reconciliation through the RAP program since its inception in 2006. RAP organisations across Australia are turning good intentions into positive actions, helping to build higher trust, lower prejudice, and increase pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Reconciliation is not one single issue or agenda. Based on international research and benchmarking, Reconciliation Australia defines and measures reconciliation through five critical dimensions: race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity; unity; and historical acceptance. All sections of the community—governments, civil society, the private sector, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—have a role to play to progress these dimensions.

The RAP program provides a framework for organisations to advance reconciliation within their spheres of influence. This Reflect RAP provides Queensland Museum with a roadmap to begin its reconciliation journey. Through implementing a Reflect RAP, Queensland Museum will lay the foundations for future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives.

We wish Queensland Museum well as it takes these first critical steps in its reconciliation journey. We encourage the organisation to embrace this journey with open hearts and minds, to grow from the challenges and to build on the successes. As the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation reminded the nation in its final report:

‘Reconciliation is hard work—it’s a long, winding and corrugated road, not a broad,paved highway. Determination and effort at all levels of government and in all sectionsof the community will be essential to make reconciliation a reality.’

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I commend Queensland Museum on its first RAP and look forward to following its ongoing reconciliation journey.

Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia


Old Queensland Museum

New Queensland Museum

Our Reconciliation Action PlanQueensland Museum Network Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group is pleased to present the Network’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan. Comprised of 25 staff members from across the network, the Working Group was established to lead the development of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. Supported by Queensland Museum Network staff, including the Executive Leadership Team, volunteers, and the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, the Working Group informs, reviews and collaborates on the development and ongoing evaluation of the Queensland Museum Network Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. Queensland Museum Network acknowledges the contributions and commitments of current and past staff as well as members from the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee who have developed and maintained relationships and built connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia. Queensland Museum Network’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan aims to provide a framework to realise our organisation’s vision for reconciliation. As the first step in our Reconciliation Action Plan journey, the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan focuses on relationships, respect and opportunities and aims to outline the actions Queensland Museum Network will commit to undertaking to establish the right foundations for sustainable change. The actions put forward in the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan aim to focus on reflecting, listening and learning and provide an opportunity for us as an organisation to acknowledge our past practices, behaviours and relationships, reflect upon them in an effort to respectfully say sorry and move forward in a meaningful way to inform future actions.

The development of Queensland Museum Network’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan has been a collaborative, open and inclusive process that we have encouraged all employees to feel both part of and proud of. The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan represents an important step within our reconciliation journey, and we acknowledge that this journey has been and continues to be a personal one as well as an organisational one.


Our businessQueensland Museum Network cares for more than 14 million collection items on behalf of the Queensland community. Queensland Museum Network was founded in January 1862 by the Queensland Philosophical Society. Since then, Queensland Museum Network has grown considerably, with Queensland Museum coming under the responsibility of the State Government in 1871 and moving into its first purpose-built premises in 1879.

Today, Queensland Museum Network is governed by the Board of Queensland Museum (the Board) and includes:

• Queensland Museum in South Brisbane • Cobb+Co Museum in Toowoomba • Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville • The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich • Queensland Museum Collections, Research and Loans Centre at Hendra, Brisbane • Museum of Lands, Mapping and Surveying in Spring Hill, Brisbane • Earth Sciences Museum, University of Queensland, Brisbane.

Over the years, Queensland Museum Network has changed with Queensland as it discovers, documents and celebrates the state’s natural, cultural and regional diversity.

Queensland Museum Network has 253 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff and a headcount of 341 employees on either a casual, temporary or permanent basis. Queensland Museum Network has three (3) employees who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategies, such as traineeships, engagement of additional identified positions and host professional development placements, are a priority for Queensland Museum.

Through its dynamic public programs, respected scientific and cultural research, significant and varied collections, and community outreach services, Queensland Museum Network continues to offer Queensland’s residents and visitors enriching cultural, social and intellectual experiences.

Queensland Museum Network reaches far beyond the walls of its museums, connecting with millions of people annually through museum visits, events, workshops, talks and lectures, school education kits, publications, online resources and the Museum Development Officer Network. It continues to be a leader in successfully harnessing the support of industry, governments and communities. Queensland Museum Network is celebrated as a valued cultural and scientific leader, growing with the community to foster a better understanding of our place in the world. Its scientific and academic researchers are internationally recognised for their expertise in natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity and geosciences.



Our visionTo be a valued and trusted museum network that creates

authentic and compelling experiences, connects real objects

and contemporary research with communities and tells

stories that inspire, enrich and empower.

Our purpose

A Queensland network of museums without borders that inspires curiosity to connect

to the past, make sense of the present and help navigate the future in our communities,

classrooms and online.

Our values

• We have a culture of sharing, learning and growth to foster a community that shares, learns and grows.

• We respect and celebrate diverse perspectives and we engage and represent diverse audiences.

• We study adaptation, evolution and change, and we value creativity and innovation.

• We excel at research to help understand life, and we love to bring research to life.

• We cherish our collections because we cherish our stories.• We value integrity because it is the essence of trust.• We encourage and nurture teamwork and partnerships

because our job is too important to do alone.


Our Reconciliation Action Plan supporters Queensland Museum Network has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee that assists in the development, review and evaluation of network policies and procedures regarding the management and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material and cultural heritage and all matters relating to Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders by:

1. advising the Board on matters concerning Queensland Museum Network’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections and exhibitions

2. assisting the Board to enable Queensland Museum Network to provide effective services to Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders

3. informing the Board of issues likely to affect Queensland Museum Network following consultation between committee members and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

The members of the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee have been involved as supporters of our Reconciliation Action Plan.

The members are:

Mr David Williams, Chair Director, Gilimbaa

Mr Kenneth Isaacson formerly of Eureka Care (DECEASED)

Mr Phillemon Mosby Western Cluster Senior Housing Officer, Torres Strait Island Regional Council

Ms Nancy Bamaga Managing Director, Black Drum Productions

Mr Dion Tatow Regional Practice Leader, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak Ltd

Associate Professor Henrietta Marrie AM Office of Indigenous Engagement, CQ University

Dr Jim Thompson (Ex-officio Member) Chief Executive Officer and RAP Champion

Mr Peter Denham (Ex-officio Member) Director, Collections & Research

Dr Geraldine Mate (Ex-Officio Member) Acting Head, Cultures & Histories

List of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members – Appendix B


Queensland Museum Repatriation FundThe Queensland Museum Repatriation Fund was created in 2016 to enable Queensland Museum Network to continue the important work of repatriation and to provide essential funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to complete the repatriation process.

Since the official launch, meaningful steps have been taken with the support of the fund, including generous donations from the broader community and ongoing funding from the Commonwealth Indigenous Repatriation Program. Some of this work has included a storage upgrade for the Forensic and Scientific Services, funded by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, which is now complete. The process is now underway for informing communities that their Ancestors are at Queensland Museum, and there are ongoing consultations with the People and Traditional Owners of multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Another important step has been the implementation of a new Repatriation Manager position within Queensland Museum Network, allowing us to have male and female managers for the Repatriation Program.

The generous support of government, private industry and the broader community is integral in helping us continue the complex and ongoing work of repatriating Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects in partnership with, and at the request of, community.

Our supporters on theReconciliation Action Plan journey1. Reconciliation Australia

2. BHP Billiton and BHP Australian Indigenous Peoples Working Group

3. Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated (RQI)

4. Cultural Capability Community of Practice

5. Queensland Government departments

6. Cultural Centre Precinct partners

– State Library of Queensland (SLQ)

– Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)

– Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Arts (QAGOMA)

7. Museum of Australian Democracy

8. Donna Smith – Senior Director of Corporate Services, DATSIP (former Senior Indigenous Engagement Officer, CSIRO)


The Workshops Rail Museum

Cobb+Co Museum

Museum of Tropical Queensland

2019–2020 ActionsQueensland Museum Network commits to:

The Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group to actively monitor the Reconciliation Action Plan development including implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group to meet six times per year to discuss implementing the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Bi-monthly, 2019, 2020

RAP Champion

RAP Working Group Chair

Relationships

Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility*

Build internal and external relationships

• Develop a list of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders, communities and organisations within our local area or sphere of influence that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey.

• Continue to develop and maintain relationships with our supporters identified earlier in this document as we progress through our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and beyond.

November 2019 – November 2020

RAP Champion

RAP Working Group Chair 2

• Continue to support Queensland Museum Repatriation Program and Fund by raising awareness internally and externally where

appropriate.


RAP Champion


• Provide a safe place to invite and/or to include the cultural protocols within the museum’s programs.


RAP Champion


• Share stories and blog posts and use a Queensland Museum Network calendar of events and important dates for all staff, so that everyone feels connected on a personal level.



• Endeavour to identify, work with and develop relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations that the museum can connect with on our reconciliation journey.

• Aim to gain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations’ assistance to understand potential activities that can assist Queensland Museum Network’s implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.


RAP Champion


1

*names listed in Appendix C


Build internal and external relationships

(continued)

• Maintain relationship with Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (members identified earlier in this document).

• Continue to provide all staff with the opportunity to be part of the Reconciliation Action Plan journey and ensure transparency of information.


RAP Champion


Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Relationships (continued)

• An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff member attends the Senior Leadership Team meetings as a representative of all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff members.


RAP Champion


3Participate in and celebrate National Reconciliation Week

Queensland Museum Network will recognise National Reconciliation Week both internally and externally and:

• encourage our staff to attend a NRW event

• circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff

• ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.

27 May – 3 June RAP Champion


4Raise internal awareness of our RAP

Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness amongst all staff across the organisation about our Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.

November 2019 RAP Champion

Develop and implement a plan to engage and inform key internal stakeholders of their responsibilities within our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Ongoing from November 2019

RAP Champion


Develop an internal Communication Plan. November 2019 RAP Working Group Chair


Provide updates at each Executive Leadership Team meeting.

2019–2020 monthly meetings

RAP Champion

Provide updates at Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee meetings.

2019–2020 quarterly meetings


Distribute regular staff emails from Chief Executive Officer (Reconciliation Action Plan Champion) providing Reconciliation Action Plan updates.

2019–2020, weekly emails

RAP Champion


Raise internal awareness of our RAP

(continued)

Action

4

Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Include a link to the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan on Queensland Museum Network website and all campus websites.

November 2019 RAP Working Group – Secretariat

Include the contact details of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group on Queensland Museum Network and all campus sites.

November 2019 RAP Working Group - Secretariat

Develop and implement an email signature block addition to acknowledge Traditional Owners of the land on which we work.

November 2019 RAP Secretariat in consultation with RAP Working Group – Communications Team

Develop a strategy to review how to measure staff knowledge and training needs.

November 2019 Manager, Human Resources and Organisational Development

External provider

Develop a strategic plan and collections plan for increasing awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements within our organisation, ensuring that women’s stories are equally represented.


RAP Champion

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning and development

Endorse a Cultural Awareness Training Program and encourage staff to participate in this training.


Respect

Action

5

Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

6Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in/or attends at least one external NAIDOC Week event.

First week in July, annually

RAP Champion


Participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week

Raise awareness and share information internally about the meaning of NAIDOC Week including information about the local Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders and communities, and encourage participation at NAIDOC events.

First week in July, annually

RAP Champion



Relationships (continued)



Participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week

(continued)

7

Develop and use a Queensland Museum Network Calendar to promote awareness of of events and important dates, and list all programs pertaining to cultural events.


Head, Marketing and Media Relations

Develop a policy, in consultation with Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, to ensure we are following the appropriate protocols. The policy is to be incorporated into the Cultural Awareness Training.



Raise internal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols

Seek more information on the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters in our local area.


Head, Cultures & Histories

Scope and develop a list of local Traditional Owners of the lands and waters within our organisation’s sphere of influence.



Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance behind cultural protocols.



Establish Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols (including any local cultural protocols).



8Queensland Museum Network staff to include an appropriate Acknowledgement of Country when welcoming International and local groups.


RAP Champion

Director, Public Programs

Include Cultural Awareness Training in inductions for all staff and back of house tours.


RAP Champion

Manager, Human Resources and Organisational Development

Manage responsibilities and workloads with consideration to the above and increase awareness of people’s roles and responsibilities.


RAP Champion


Identify unique opportunities related to Queensland Museum

Network’s core business and vision for reconciliation including Cultural Protocols to ensure that all staff are aware of how to acknowledge and interact with Community Members. The Museum aims to promote its Reconciliation Action Plan through all of its media channels.

Respect (continued)



Identify unique opportunities related to Queensland Museum Network’s core business and vision for reconciliation including Cultural Protocols to ensure that all staff are aware of how to acknowledge and interact with community members. The museum aims to promote its Reconciliation Action Plan through all of its media channels.

(continued)


Acknowledge the need for greater public-facing presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through programming and exhibitions.


RAP Champion


Principal Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Include visual reminders in and around the buildings of our museums of the Traditional Owners of the land. This should be tangible, easily identifiable and have clear meanings.


RAP Champion


Promote the museum’s Reconciliation Action Plan when developing working relationships with Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders at our campuses and through the regional work across Queensland especially with the Museum Development Officer programs.


Director, Collections & Research

Continue to communicate with community leaders to ask whether we can assist with designing or hosting programs and collaborate on research, exhibitions and collections to meet community needs.


RAP Champion


Principal Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Embed the Reconciliation Action Plan in all aspects of organisation, including within operational and strategic planning and annual reports.


RAP Champion


Opportunities

Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within our organisation.


RAP Champion


Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities

9


Respect (continued)



Identify current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment and development opportunities.


RAP Champion


Investigate how to engage trainees and interns in a safe and productive work environment that is meaningful and mutually beneficial to both Queensland Museum Network and the employee.


RAP Champion


Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities

(continued)

Recommend increased engagement of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders within different business units across the campuses (e.g. Visitor Services Team, volunteers) with opportunities for career progression at all staffing levels.


RAP Champion


Recommend the appointment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisor to lead the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan, to drive initiatives and consult more broadly across the business on inclusion and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols and standards.


RAP Champion


Promote a culturally safe working environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees through the induction process and throughout employment.


RAP Champion


10Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity

Continue to follow operating protocols for retail shops to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned-businesses to source authentic products.


RAP Champion

Chief Operating Officer

Director, Operations

Opportunities (continued)




Develop an understanding of the mutual benefits of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned-businesses.


RAP Champion



Develop a business case for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned-businesses.


RAP Champion



Define available resourcing for the Queensland Museum Network Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

November, annually

RAP Champion

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group Chair

Develop the dashboard to define the systems and capabilities for tracking and reporting the Reconciliation Action Plan actions to the Museum staff; the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee; Queensland Museum Network Executive Leadership Team; the Board of the Queensland Museum; and for inclusion in the annual report and website.


RAP Champion


Comply with Queensland Government Procurement Policy to:

• identify where to find capable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

• improve consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business capacity to tender

• better understand future opportunities to procure from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and recognise that value for money is not always about the lowest priced contract.


RAP Champion



Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity

(continued)


Governance and tracking progress

Build support for the Reconciliation Action Plan

11


Opportunities (continued)



12Review and Refresh RAP

Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new Reconciliation Action Plan based on learnings, challenges and achievements.

July 2020 RAP Champion


Complete the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire and submit to Reconciliation Australia.

30 September, annually

RAP Champion


Build support for the Reconciliation Action Plan

(continued)

Governance and tracking progress (continued)



Appendix ARepatriation Fund: Background information for event

Repatriation of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Ancestral Remains

Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders want their Ancestral Remains returned to country.

Between 1870 and 1970, the remains of many beloved Ancestors were collected by Queensland Museum and other institutions and individuals. As well as Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects were collected and often used for scientific research or for public education and display.

This was done without the permission of the people and without regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander laws and customs.

Many of the Ancestors were originally buried with much ceremony and respect to ensure continued journeys. Others were taken before such ceremony could be completed. The removal of their remains disrupted their journeys and brought sorrow and suffering to people and spirit.

Since the 1970s, Queensland Museum has responded to calls from Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders to return the remains and cultural property of their Ancestors. The museum has developed policies of access and repatriation that have led to recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ownership and custodianship.

The return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ancestral Remains, associated Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects is a priority for Queensland Museum.

Source: http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Behind+the+Scenes/Repatriation

Repatriation

For the past twenty years, Queensland Museum and other museums in Australia have been working with Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander people to return Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects. Many of these objects and remains were taken without permission.

Queensland Museum recognises that many remains and objects it has acquired belong to the communities from which they were taken.

The repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ancestral Remains and Secret and/or Sacred Objects is to be carried out in an atmosphere of respect, recognition and acknowledgment, sensitivity, mutual trust, emotion and reconciliation.

Source: https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Events+and+Exhibitions/Exhibitions/2015/01/Dandiiri+Maiwar/Perspectives/Repatriation


DEFINITIONS

Aboriginal should always be capitalised when referring to Aboriginal Australians. When referring to an individual Aboriginal Person should be used.

Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders refers to the communities Indigenous to Queensland. Do not abbreviate to ATSI or A&TSI.

Ancestral Remains refers to skeletal and/or human remains, soft tissue or hair samples of deceased Aboriginal Peoples or Torres Strait Islanders. It also includes any plaster casts of Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islander remains.

Burial Goods refers to items found with Ancestral Remains, such as bark coffins and other objects.

Indigenous: DO NOT USE when referring to Australian cultures. Please use Aboriginal Peoples OR Torres Strait Islanders OR Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

Indigenous Repatriation Program (IRP) is a program managed by the Australian Government, which funds state museums to repatriate Ancestral Remains to country.

QMATSICC is the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, a group of community representatives which has the responsibility of advising the Board of the Queensland Museum of issues and to consult with communities.

Repatriation refers to the return of culturally sensitive material (Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects) of significance to a party found to be the Traditional Owner or their heirs and descendants. Do not capitalise unless in reference to the Repatriation Program or Repatriation Fund.

Note: Queensland Museum Network supports the repatriation of Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred material back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Under some circumstances the Museum may agree to temporarily care for this type of material on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Return to Country (see Repatriation) Ancestral Remains are returned to Country so their spirits may continue their journey.

Secret and/or Sacred Objects are objects with intrinsic cultural significance to Aboriginal Peoples and/or Torres Strait Islanders. This material is traditionally subject to restrictions and/or protocols regarding access and use.

Traditional Owners are the rightful custodians of their Ancestors. Traditional Owners should be consulted and determine how and when repatriation should be undertaken.


Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members – August 2019 to October 2020Name

Jim Thompson

Julia Waters

Judith Hickson

Peter Denham

Debbie Draper

Patrice Fogarty

Peter McLeod

Geraldine Mate

Amy Boulding

Tony Coonan

Robert Raven

Lorelle Schluter

Andrew Sivijs

Steve Cooper

Nook Xavier

Janelle Insley

Peter Tonkin

Sophie Price

Kirsty Gillespie

Luke Diett

Josh Tarrant

Imelda Miller

Kevin Hulley

Christina Chiotakis

Position Title

Chief Executive Officer, RAP Champion

Records Manager, RAP Chair

Curator, Queensland Stories, RAP Secretariat

Director, Collections & Research

Chief Finance Officer

Director, Public Engagement



Head, Lifelong Learning

Learning Officer

Principal Curator (Arachnology) and Head, Terrestrial Biodiversity

Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Visitor Services Officer

Exhibition and Public Program Manager

Exhibitions Manager

Assistant Curator, Anthropology

Senior Curator, Anthropology

Venue and Events Manager

Museum Development Officer

Curator, Pacific and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Manager, Information Technology

Visitor Services Officer

Appendix BReconciliation Action Plan Working Group members – June 2017 to July 2019Jim Thompson, Julia Waters, Candice Badinski, Robert Adlard, Patrice Fogarty, Peter McLeod, Geraldine Mate, Tony Coonan, Jo Forsyth, Luke Diett, Josh Tarrant, Margaret Templeman, Robert Raven, Michelle Ryan, Steve Cooper, Nook Xavier, Judith Hickson, Tim Knox, Imelda Miller, Janelle Insley, Peter Tonkin, Kevin Hulley, Maddy Fowler, Kirsty Gillespie and Amy Boulding.


This artwork represents our Ancestral belongings being returned, cared for andprotected under Queensland Museum Network.

The top layer of the hexagons resembles Queensland Museum Network’s logo andtheir connection to our lands and waters.

The connected hexagons represent the building and growing process of‘closing the gap’ and reconciliation, with the few on the right yet to be connected.

The blue dots represent the many people who are responsible for, and in contact with,the care of our Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects.

The Boomerang, Shield, Dhari, Didgeridoo and Drum represent a few of ourAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander belongings that are being held and cared for by

Queensland Museum Network.

The white scattered dots in the background represent the spirits of our Ancestorsprotecting our Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects.

Casey CoolwellCHABOO

About the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

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QMN Reflect Reconciliation Action ... - network.qm.qld.gov.au

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Transcript of QMN Reflect Reconciliation Action ... - network.qm.qld.gov.au