Cultural Sensitivity Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website may contain images, voices and videos of deceased persons.
Users are warned that there may be words and descriptions that may be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts.
Terms and annotations that reflect the attitude of the author or the period in which the item was written, may be considered inappropriate today.
Protocols
The State Library as a member of National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) recognizes the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to tell their histories in their own voices and to check all content prior to sharing in a public sphere.
NSLA also acknowledges that dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from their lands, the dispersal and relocation of communities, the erosion of traditional customs and languages, and the removal of children from their families, have resulted in the disconnection of generations of families from their traditional homelands, languages and culture. The library and information sector is a vital access point for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders to access material reflecting their past as well as resources to strengthen their future. (NSLA Position Statement: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library Services and Collections)
The State Library will defer on an ongoing basis to:
- National and State Libraries Australasia Working with Community: Guidelines for collaborative practice between libraries and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- ATSILIRN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Protocols for libraries, archives and information services.
- AIATSIS’ Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies 2012.
Prior to on the ground community consultation and travel onto Country by State Library staff and associated personnel, the State Library contacted Aboriginal organisations to gain permissions to access registered Native Title exclusive use areas and for cultural protocols concerning access in Native Title claim areas:
Geraldton and region:
- Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation
- Pia Wadjarri remote community – via Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School
Martu/Wiluna region:
- Tarlka Martuwa Piarku (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC
- Mungarlu Ngurrarankatja Rirraunkja (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC
Ngaanyatjarra Lands:
- Ngaanyatjarra Lands Council (Aboriginal Corporation) ICN: 101
Disclaimer
The Western Australian Government is committed to quality service to its customers and makes every attempt to ensure accuracy, currency and reliability of the data contained in these documents. However, changes in circumstances after time of publication may impact the quality of this information. Confirmation of the information may be sought from originating bodies or departments providing the information.
External Sites
The State Library of Western Australia is not responsible for the contents or reliability of the externally linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. Listing shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over availability of the linked pages