In the spirit of Australian Museums and Galleries Association members’ resolution to endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was adopted on June 2018, AMaGA commits its support for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Australian Constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata commission for a treaty and truth-telling.

AMaGA has a long history of allyship with First Nations peoples in the museum, gallery and collections sector since its establishment, demonstrated most recently by the First Peoples: Roadmap guide to building respectful and trusting relationships between museums and galleries and Indigenous peoples. As the author of the Roadmap, Terri Janke asserts, “with self-determination comes trust, cultural revitalisation and stronger relationships.”

AMaGA encourages member organisations and staff to access verified official information about the referendum process, and to make this available to museum and gallery visitors, with the understanding that individual institutional staff are bound by the governance directives of their respective agencies on this matter.

We also continue to encourage museums and galleries to run programs and exhibitions that draw attention to First Peoples issues, art and culture utilising the pathways outlined within the First Peoples: Roadmap.

Member organisations should be aware that the Yes 23 campaign has established the Yes Alliance Campaign Fund whereby organisations can apply for $1,000 to $15,000 to help facilitate events and activities in pursuit of a Yes vote.

Respectfully,

AMaGA National Council