First Nations

We can not create change without storytelling

'Powerhouse is committed to implementing Indigenous ways of working across all Powerhouse sites and areas of practice, including collections, curatorial, learning, public programs, design and delivery, communication, administration, operations, strategy and governance.

As we Indigenise the structures, systems and procedures that were intended to exclude us, we divert them to create a future that reflects the truth of the past and honours our continuous cultures and connection to Country.

We are leading a major shift from a material relationship with our collections to one that is relational. One that centres upon the knowledge holders, the makers, the custodians of the objects.

We are timeless people and we deserve time. When this museum was first conceived of 140 years ago, we weren't meant to be here. This wasn't for us. This was never going to be for us. We were to be relegated as a memory, as a collection, as something of the past.

But we find ourselves 140 years later with the space created, pushed back, for us to demonstrate our self-determination and to rethink what that is.'

Emily McDaniel, Inaugural Director First Nations

'In Indigenous culture, Country is vast, all-encompassing and limitless and transcends western notions of property and land ownership.

Country is multifaceted and includes all tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It means the lands, waters, seas, and skies and everything on it, including people, plants, animals and landscapes.

Country also is the song lines, stories, language, cultural expressions and knowledge. It is all parts Australia, the deserts, rainforests, mountains and plains.

Urban areas, the streets, parks, and the buildings are situated all on Country.

Country is holistic and living.

Country is spiritual belonging.

Country shapes individual and communal identity and wellbeing. It is the ‘people, family, mob, who walk on Country.’ Country is kin. The relationship between people and Country must include reciprocity.'

Terri Janke, Powerhouse Taking Care of Country Principles, Terri Janke and Company, 2022.

Caring For Country Principles

Powerhouse acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the Powerhouse stands. We recognise their continuous connection to Country and extend our respect the diverse First Nations peoples that now call these places home.

In consultation with First Nations peoples of the Country on which the Powerhouse sites are situated, Caring for Country Principles now form the foundation of the Climate Action Plan, they are our Acknowledgement to Country in practice.

True acknowledgement is not just a sentiment or a proceeding, but an ongoing behaviour and responsibility. Through the stories we tell, our care for cultural belongings and collaboration with Community – we remember and respect Country, Always.