Acknowledgement of Country We 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 Statement Queensland 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 Statement Queensland 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. CONTENTS

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 4 Queensland Museum Network

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) Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 5

Chair message Professor Margaret Sheil AO Chair, 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. 6 Queensland Museum Network

Chief Executive Officer message Dr Jim Thompson Chief Executive Officer Queensland 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. Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 7

Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee Chair message

Mr 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. 8 Queensland Museum Network

Message from Reconciliation Australia Reconciliation 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 sections of 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 10 Queensland Museum Network Our Reconciliation Action Plan

Queensland 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. Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 11 Our business

Queensland 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 • 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, , 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. 1112 QueenslandQueensland Museum Museum Network Network

Our vision To 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 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 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. Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 13

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 14 Queensland Museum Network

Queensland Museum Repatriation Fund The 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 the Reconciliation Action Plan journey 1. Reconciliation Australia 2. BHP Billiton and BHP Australian Working Group 3. Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated (RQI) 4. Cultural Capability Community of Practice 5. 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 16 Queensland Museum Network

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Relationships Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility*

The Reconciliation Action Plan Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group to Bi-monthly, 2019, RAP Champion Working Group to actively meet six times per year to discuss implementing 2020 monitor the Reconciliation Action the Reconciliation Action Plan. RAP Working Plan development including Group Chair 1 implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting

Build internal and • Develop a list of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres November 2019 – RAP Champion external relationships Strait Islanders, communities and November 2020 organisations within our local area or sphere of RAP Working influence that we could approach to connect with Group Chair 2 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.

• Continue to support Queensland Museum November 2019 – RAP Champion Repatriation Program and Fund by raising November 2020 awareness internally and externally where RAP Working appropriate. Group Chair

• Provide a safe place to invite and/or to November 2019 – RAP Champion include the cultural protocols within the November 2020 museum’s programs. RAP Working Group Chair

• Share stories and blog posts and use a November 2019 – RAP Working Queensland Museum Network calendar of November 2020 Group Chair events and important dates for all staff, so that everyone feels connected on a personal level.

• Endeavour to identify, work with and develop November 2019 – RAP Champion relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait November 2020 Islander communities and organisations that the RAP Working museum can connect with on our reconciliation Group Chair 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.

*names listed in Appendix C Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 17

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Relationships (continued) Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Build internal and • Maintain relationship with Queensland Museum November 2019 – RAP Champion external relationships Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative November 2020 Committee (members identified earlier in this RAP Working (continued) document). Group Chair

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

• An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff November 2019 – RAP Champion member attends the Senior Leadership Team November 2020 meetings as a representative of all Aboriginal or RAP Working Torres Strait Islander staff members. Group Chair

Participate in Queensland Museum Network will recognise 27 May – 3 June RAP Champion and celebrate National Reconciliation Week both internally and 3 National externally and: RAP Working Reconciliation Group Chair Week • 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.

Raise internal Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness November 2019 RAP awareness of amongst all staff across the organisation about our Champion 4 our RAP Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.

Develop and implement a plan to engage Ongoing from RAP Champion and inform key internal stakeholders of their November 2019 responsibilities within our Reconciliation RAP Working Action Plan. Group Chair

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

Provide updates at each Executive Leadership 2019–2020 RAP Team meeting. monthly meetings Champion

Provide updates at Queensland Museum Aboriginal 2019–2020 RAP Working and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee quarterly Group Chair meetings. meetings

Distribute regular staff emails from Chief Executive 2019–2020, RAP Champion Officer (Reconciliation Action Plan Champion) weekly emails providing Reconciliation Action Plan updates. 18 Queensland Museum Network

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Relationships (continued) Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Raise internal awareness of Include a link to the Reflect Reconciliation Action November 2019 RAP Working our RAP Plan on Queensland Museum Network website and Group – Secretariat all campus websites. (continued) 4 Include the contact details of the Reconciliation November 2019 RAP Working Action Plan Working Group on Queensland Museum Group - Secretariat Network and all campus sites.

Develop and implement an email signature block November 2019 RAP Secretariat addition to acknowledge Traditional Owners of the in consultation land on which we work. with RAP Working Group – Communications Team

Respect Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Endorse a Cultural Awareness Training Program and November 2019 RAP Champion Strait Islander cultural learning encourage staff to participate in this training. and development

5 Develop a strategy to review how to measure staff November 2019 Manager, Human knowledge and training needs. Resources and Organisational Development

External provider

Develop a strategic plan and collections plan for November 2019 – RAP Champion increasing awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait November 2020 Islander cultures, histories and achievements within our organisation, ensuring that women’s stories are equally represented.

Participate in and celebrate Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in/or First week in July, RAP Champion NAIDOC Week attends at least one external NAIDOC Week event. annually 6 RAP Working Group Chair

Raise awareness and share information internally First week in July, RAP Champion about the meaning of NAIDOC Week including annually information about the local Aboriginal Peoples RAP Working and Torres Strait Islanders and communities, Group Chair and encourage participation at NAIDOC events. Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 19

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Respect (continued) Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Participate in and celebrate Develop and use a Queensland Museum Network November 2019 RAP Champion NAIDOC Week Calendar to promote awareness of of events and important dates, and list all programs pertaining Head, Marketing (continued) to cultural events. and Media Relations

Raise internal Develop a policy, in consultation with Queensland November 2019 RAP Champion understanding Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 7 of Aboriginal Consultative Committee, to ensure we are following RAP Working and Torres the appropriate protocols. The policy is to be Group Chair Strait Islander incorporated into the Cultural Awareness Training. cultural protocols Seek more information on the Traditional Owners of November 2019 – Head, Cultures & the lands and waters in our local area. November 2020 Histories

Scope and develop a list of local Traditional Owners November 2019 – Head, Cultures & of the lands and waters within our organisation’s November 2020 Histories sphere of influence.

Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness November 2019 – Head, Cultures & and understanding of the meaning and significance November 2020 Histories behind cultural protocols.

Establish Acknowledgement of Country and November 2019 – Head, Marketing Welcome to Country protocols (including any local November 2020 and Media cultural protocols). Relations

Identify unique Queensland Museum Network staff to include an November 2019 – RAP Champion opportunities appropriate Acknowledgement of Country when November 2020 8 related to welcoming International and local groups. Director, Public Queensland Programs Museum Network’s core business and vision Include Cultural Awareness Training in inductions November 2019 – RAP Champion for reconciliation including Cultural for all staff and back of house tours. November 2020 Protocols to ensure that all staff Manager, Human are aware of how to acknowledge Resources and and interact with Community Organisational Members. The Museum aims Development to promote its Reconciliation Action Plan through all of its media channels. Manage responsibilities and workloads with November 2019 – RAP Champion consideration to the above and increase awareness November 2020 of people’s roles and responsibilities. Manager, Human Resources and Organisational Development 20 Queensland Museum Network

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Respect (continued)

Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Identify unique opportunities Include visual reminders in and around the buildings November 2019 – RAP Champion related to Queensland Museum of our museums of the Traditional Owners of the November 2020 Network’s core business and vision land. This should be tangible, easily identifiable Head, Marketing for reconciliation including Cultural and have clear meanings. and Media Protocols to ensure that all staff Relations are aware of how to acknowledge and interact with community members. The museum aims to promote its Reconciliation Promote the museum’s Reconciliation Action November 2019 – Director, Action Plan through all of its Plan when developing working relationships with November 2020 Collections & media channels. Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders Research at our campuses and through the regional work (continued) across Queensland especially with the Museum Development Officer programs.

Continue to communicate with community leaders November 2019 – RAP Champion to ask whether we can assist with designing or November 2020 hosting programs and collaborate on research, Head, Cultures & exhibitions and collections to meet community Histories needs. Principal Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Acknowledge the need for greater public-facing November 2019 – RAP Champion presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander November 2020 cultures through programming and exhibitions. Head, Cultures & Histories

Principal Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Embed the Reconciliation Action Plan in all aspects November 2019 – RAP Champion of organisation, including within operational and November 2020 strategic planning and annual reports.

Opportunities

Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres November 2019 – RAP Champion Strait Islander employment Strait Islander employment within our organisation. November 2020 opportunities Manager, Human Resources and 9 Organisational Development Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 21

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Opportunities (continued)

Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Identify current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander November 2019 – RAP Champion Strait Islander employment staff to inform future employment and development November 2020 opportunities opportunities. Manager, Human Resources and (continued) Organisational Development

Investigate how to engage trainees and interns November 2019 – RAP Champion in a safe and productive work environment that November 2020 is meaningful and mutually beneficial to both Manager, Human Queensland Museum Network and the employee. Resources and Organisational Development

Recommend increased engagement of Aboriginal November 2019 – RAP Champion Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders within different November 2020 business units across the campuses (e.g. Visitor Manager, Human Services Team, volunteers) with opportunities for Resources and career progression at all staffing levels. Organisational Development

Recommend the appointment of an Aboriginal November 2019 – RAP Champion and Torres Strait Islander Advisor to lead the November 2020 implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan, to Manager, Human drive initiatives and consult more broadly across the Resources and business on inclusion and participation of Aboriginal Organisational and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols and Development standards.

Promote a culturally safe working environment for November 2019 – RAP Champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees November 2020 through the induction process and throughout Manager, Human employment. Resources and Organisational Development

Investigate Continue to follow operating protocols for retail November 2019 – RAP Champion Aboriginal and shops to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait November 2020 10 Torres Strait Islander owned-businesses to source authentic Chief Operating Islander supplier products. Officer diversity Director, Operations 22 Queensland Museum Network

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Opportunities (continued) Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Comply with Queensland Government Procurement November 2019 – RAP Champion Strait Islander supplier diversity Policy to: November 2020 Chief Operating (continued) • identify where to find capable Aboriginal and Officer Torres Strait Islander businesses Director, • improve consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Operations 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.

Develop an understanding of the mutual benefits November 2019 – RAP Champion of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait November 2020 Islander owned-businesses. Chief Operating Officer

Director, Operations

Develop a business case for procurement November 2019 – RAP Champion from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned- November 2020 businesses. Chief Operating Officer

Director, Operations

Governance and tracking progress Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Build support for the Define available resourcing for the November, RAP Champion Reconciliation Action Plan Queensland Museum Network Reflect annually Reconciliation Action Plan. Reconciliation Action Plan 11 Working Group Chair

Develop the dashboard to define the systems November 2019 – RAP Champion and capabilities for tracking and reporting the November 2020 Reconciliation Action Plan actions to the Museum RAP Working staff; the Queensland Museum Aboriginal and Group Chair 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. Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 23

2019–2020 Actions Queensland Museum Network commits to:

Governance and tracking progress (continued) Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

Build support for the Complete the annual RAP Impact 30 September, RAP Champion Reconciliation Action Plan Measurement Questionnaire and submit to annually Reconciliation Australia. RAP Working (continued) Group Chair

Review and Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a July 2020 RAP Champion Refresh RAP new Reconciliation Action Plan based on learnings, challenges and achievements. RAP Working 12 Group Chair 24 Queensland Museum Network

Appendix A Repatriation 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 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 25

DEFINITIONS Aboriginal should always be capitalised when referring to . 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. 26 Queensland Museum Network

Appendix B Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members – June 2017 to July 2019

Jim 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.

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group members – August 2019 to October 2020 Name Position Title Jim Thompson Chief Executive Officer, RAP Champion

Julia Waters Records Manager, RAP Chair

Judith Hickson Curator, Queensland Stories, RAP Secretariat

Peter Denham Director, Collections & Research

Debbie Draper Chief Finance Officer

Patrice Fogarty Director, Public Engagement

Peter McLeod Director, Operations

Geraldine Mate Head, Cultures & Histories

Amy Boulding Head, Lifelong Learning

Tony Coonan Learning Officer

Robert Raven Principal Curator (Arachnology) and Head, Terrestrial Biodiversity

Lorelle Schluter Operations Manager

Andrew Sivijs Operations Manager

Steve Cooper Operations Manager

Nook Xavier Visitor Services Officer

Janelle Insley Exhibition and Public Program Manager

Peter Tonkin Exhibitions Manager

Sophie Price Assistant Curator, Anthropology

Kirsty Gillespie Senior Curator, Anthropology

Luke Diett Venue and Events Manager

Josh Tarrant Museum Development Officer

Imelda Miller Curator, Pacific and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Kevin Hulley Manager, Information Technology

Christina Chiotakis Visitor Services Officer Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 27

About the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork

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

The top layer of the hexagons resembles Queensland Museum Network’s logo and their 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 our Aboriginal 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 Ancestors protecting our Ancestral Remains, Burial Goods, and Secret and/or Sacred Objects.

Casey Coolwell CHABOO