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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

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Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Read our commitments to reconciliation.

Couple looking at Skylore: Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander Astronomy exhibit at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

We’re creating an inclusive city that celebrates our unique cultural heritage through:

  • social and cultural practices and ceremonies

  • corporate and strategic plans and strategies 

  • dates of significance 

  • local events, programs and partnerships. 

Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Brisbane

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgement of Country or Welcome to Country takes place at the start of a meeting, public event or function.

The size and importance of the event usually determines which custom is used.

Welcome to Country

Involves a Traditional Custodian (or someone who has permission from Traditional Custodians) formally welcoming people to the land where the event is taking place.

Acknowledgment of Country

Involves an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person or non-Indigenous person showing their respect for Traditional Custodians and their connection to their ancestral territory.

Corporate and strategic commitments  

We're committed to achieving better recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. As part of this, we've developed strategies and plans to guide our ongoing efforts towards reconciliation.

Highlights and initiatives

We support and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities with a range of projects and events. 

Check out some of the ways our Indigenous Aspirations Strategy is helping to deliver lasting and meaningful change.

Aboriginal Dual Names Park project

One park per ward in Brisbane has an Aboriginal dual name with interpretative signage. These were installed in 2007 in partnership with Traditional Custodians.

Black History Month

Black History Month, in July, showcases and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' achievements and contributions to our city.

This enables the broader community to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage and cultures. 

Indigenous Art Program

Our Indigenous Art Program showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture through exhibitions, tours and talks. 

The program refreshes with new artworks each year in streets, laneways and outdoor spaces exploring artist connections to Country. 

Gathering

Gathering is an Indigenous performing arts program that encompasses a mix of contemporary and traditional dance, music, art, and storytelling.

The weekly performances in Queen Street Mall provide authentic experiences for audiences and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.

Find Gathering performances to attend >

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Did you know?

During the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), the Indigenous Art Program was a flagship event for Festival 2018.

Dates of significance

Join us to acknowledge and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians on these cultural days of significance. 

Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Explore a diverse range of events to engage with the rich histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Find an event

Frequently asked questions