Blog
The AIATSIS blog is our space to showcase our expertise, and for you to discover the stories behind the work we do and the items we are working on.
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Photographing large paintings in the Stanner Room
CollectionDigitisationArtArtefact
19 Jun 2018 Colin MacDougallNow that four of the largest paintings in the AIATSIS Collection have been digitised, we have extremely detailed, colour accurate digital reproductions preserved for the future.
Indigenous Languages in Australian Parliaments
Indigenous languagesLanguageIndigenous Australian LanguagesHistoryResearch
21 May 2018 Jacqueline BattinAs a part of AIATSIS’ Ngunawal Revival Project, we assisted in writing an acknowledgment of country in Ngunawal, which PM Malcom Turnbull has said in Parliament. But on what other occasions have Indigenous Australian languages been used in Parliament?
Fight for Life: The Father Dixon and the Stuart Case Papers
Sentenced to hang in 1959, Arrernte man Rupert Max Stewart survived 7 stays of execution and ultimately had his conviction commuted to life in prison. The Father Dixon and the Stuart Case Papers provide an insight into how this was achieved.
Papers of Alick and Merle Jackomos
CollectionHuman rightsReserves and missions
1 May 2018 Ewan MaidmentMerle and Alick Jackomos have a long connection with AIATSIS. Upon hearing the news that the Jackomos family home was being sold, the Institute contacted Merle and Alick’s daughter, Esmai, to make arrangements for the preservation of her parents’ papers.
Finding families on film
CollectionStolen GenerationsNational ApologyFilmPhotography
3 Apr 2018 Kelly WiltshireThis year marks 10 years since the National Apology to Australia’s Stolen Generations, 20 years since the Bringing Them Home report and over 30 years since the Stolen Generations were documented in two AIATSIS films.
From Art Petition to the People's Movement for Reconciliation
ActivistsCollectionWik caseSeaofHandsPetitionsReconciliation
10 Nov 2017 Rita MetzenrathHow did a colourful sculptural installation that started as an innovative form of protest transform into an enduring symbol of Non Indigenous community aspirations to be reconciled with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders?
Audiovisual Heritage of Torres Strait Singing and Dancing
DigitisationFilmCollectionMusicDanceTorres Strait Islander cultureTorres Strait Islands
27 Oct 2017 Kelly WiltshireWorld Day for Audiovisual Heritage raises awareness about the importance and vulnerability of audiovisual collections. For AIATSIS the content at risk includes recordings of Aboriginal cultural, social and political life from the 1940s to early 2000s.
Writing ‘Against Native Title’
‘Against Native Title’ is a book about one Aboriginal group’s experience of the native title claims process. The book has a central character, a woman called Sue Coleman Haseldine. Aunty Sue is a skilled storyteller — a warm, wise and funny person — and a vehement critic of native title.
The Bennelong Letter – Voice of a Wangal Diplomat
CollectionArchives and archivingLanguageHistory
21 Aug 2017 Rita MetzenrathThe AIATSIS Collection holds a very precious copy of what is considered to be the first known use of written English by an Aboriginal Australian.
Family history research success for Fred
ResearchFamily historyCollectionPhotography
16 Aug 2017 Family History UnitAs part of Family History Month, the AIATSIS Family History Unit has requested feedback from our clients about how they have been using the research materials and tools we provide them. Here is Fred’s story.
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