Indigenous Aspirations Strategy
Brisbane City Council is committed to working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop strategies and programs that acknowledge and value the unique contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to our city.
The Indigenous Aspirations Strategy (IAS) builds on Council's commitment to creating a city the equally values its history and looks to its future. The strategy was designed to meet the aspirations, hopes and visions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Brisbane. It was developed in a way that would allow it to be flexible enough to evolve as communities and their needs change.
Council engaged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups in 2004 to better understand their specific needs. From these discussions it was clear that the community wanted to work in partnership with Council to develop programs for their communities. This feedback was a key consideration when writing and implementing the strategy.
On 4 June 2019, Council moved a motion of support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart to support the recognition of First Nations peoples in the Australian Constitution. The motion was supported as follows:
Following the second anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and in the spirit of reconciliation commits to walking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a movement for a better future.
Supports the consideration of a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth‑telling.
Acknowledges the recent appointment of Australia’s first Indigenous Minster for Indigenous Affairs, Ken Wyatt, and agrees with the Minister’s approach to the proposal recommended in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Hears the continued call for a better future built on the foundations of respect and fairness.
You can read the full Uluru Statement from the Heart (including copies in 65 languages).
You can download the:
Reconciliation Action Plan
In reviewing the IAS, Council held several community consultation sessions in October 2018. The information gained from these sessions was used to draft a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2019 reflecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community needs, issues, priorities and aspirations. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 in 2020, further community consultation was delayed until early 2021 to ensure Council's first RAP represents the respect, relationships and opportunities required to advance reconciliation.
Highlights and initiatives
Under the IAS, Council implemented the following example initiatives.
Aboriginal Dual Park Names project
Council consulted with Traditional Owner groups to peer review the initial research on the cultural significance of parks and open spaces and provide the Aboriginal name, meaning and language group for various parks across Brisbane. As a result, in 2007, one park per ward was signed with an Aboriginal dual name.
Black History Month
Black History Month takes place in July each year. The program showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage and cultures that acknowledge and celebrate First Australians' achievements and contributions to our city.
Read more about Black History Month.
Gathering
An Indigenous performing arts program encompassing contemporary and traditional dance, art, music, storytelling and comedy. Performances are held weekly in Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City.
Find out about the different Gathering events.
Indigenous Art Program
Indigenous Art Program is a contemporary art program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture celebrated through a series of outdoor exhibitions, panel discussions and guided tours. Located in the heart of Brisbane City, the program offers rich and diverse responses to the artist’s connection with Brisbane. During the Commonwealth Games, Festival 2018, it was one of the flagship events on the program. During the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), Indigenous Art Program was one of the flagship events for Festival 2018, a diverse arts and cultural program which showcased Brisbane as an Event City for GC2018.
More information
To find out more about the Reconciliation Action Plan, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.