Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

This is a transcript of the video on Council's YouTube channel: 'Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Brisbane',  featuring Brisbane City Council’s programs and initiatives. This video is nearly 2 minutes and 30 seconds long.

[Acknowledgment of Country]

Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.

May we continue to peacefully walk together in gratitude, respect and kindness in caring for this Country and one another.

>>JILL ROBINSON: Brisbane was founded on the lands of the oldest continuing cultures on earth; cultures that are an intrinsic part of our thriving, modern city.

Brisbane City Council is dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to engage with and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples as we make Brisbane an accessible and inclusive city for all.

We’ve been working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to offer programs and events to showcase culture.

… to showcase history.

… to showcase people.

… and to showcase achievements.

Our aim is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to bring these ancient cultures to the forefront of life in Brisbane.

Programs like Black History Month, which runs through July each year, offering experiences from family fun days, dance, art tours, exhibitions, and more.

… and the Indigenous Art Program; an annual celebration of some of the most widely recognised artists and stories.

Events like ‘Gathering’ in Queen Street Mall, which remains the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performance happening weekly in the heart of a major capital city in Australia.

… and the Black Diamonds Community Partnership Scheme, supporting opportunities for young people to elders, to participate in local cultural learning activities.

Look around our city and you’ll find artwork by Goreng Goreng artist Rachael Sarra and Quandamooka/Nunukul woman Casey Coolwell integrated into our public transport.

Share in stories, songs, rhymes and play with your little ones during First 5 Forever Jarjum Storytime at Council libraries.

And explore native plants and symbolic totems on the bushland trails at Boondall Wetlands to uncover the historical significance of the area.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions are an important part of the social and economic life of Brisbane and are for everyone to learn about, experience, and enjoy.

Get to know your city better by getting involved in these and many more of Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and events today.