Museums are places of truth-telling. They hold a unique responsibility to First Nations communities, not only as custodians of cultural heritage, but as institutions that must support living, dynamic, thriving cultures and the realisation of First Nations ancestral futures. This is not historical work. It is present and ongoing.
Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory (MAGNT) proudly supported Larrakia Development Corporation and Larrakia people in hosting a smoking ceremony for returned material from the South Australian Museum (SAM) and the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Staff provided a private, respectful event with support and safe passage through the museum corridors, gardens and store areas. “Hold – in – trust” Agreements replace previous ‘Loan Agreements’ for repatriated material to reflect the new owners, and best practice repatriation. MAGNT is committed to caring for the repatriated material for Larrakia, who expect to see more of their cultural treasures returned in the coming years.
Source: 24/25 MAGNT Annual Report
First Nations Undergraduate Student Research Program
Queensland Museum hosted the second First Nations Undergraduate Student Summer Research Program from 12 December 2025 – 20 February 2026. Five students participated in an eight-week placement designed to build research skills, provide hands-on experience, and explore career pathways in cultural heritage and museums.
Participants completed independent research projects and engaged in weekly research and cultural workshops, supported by Queensland Museum’s First Nations team and project supervisors. The program culminated in a public symposium, where students presented their work on topics including provenance, interpretation, policy, social impact, and repatriation.
Generously supported by the Maria Vasas Foundation, the First Nations Undergraduate Student Research Program will be offered a third time in 2027.