GLAM Peak acknowledge that we live and work on the lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Across the Australian galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) and research sector we are committed to the continuous building and maintaining of trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to support the creation of a stronger First Nations presence in the Australian Constitution as well as the establishment of a Makarrata commission for a treaty and truth-telling.
In the lead up to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament referendum on Saturday, 14 October there is much debate taking place across the Country. It is clear that there is a diversity of views on a Voice to Parliament among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as the broader community.
Given the debate will intensify over the coming weeks in the lead up to the referendum, it is critically important that across the Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums sector we support and engage in safe, constructive, and respectful conversations across our organisations as we seek clarity and information.
The lead up to the referendum has the potential to impact the professional and personal lives of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Conversations around the referendum, including racist commentary, are a risk to the mental health and occupational safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Across our sector we have an important role to play to ensure the wellbeing of those we work with, and ensure our workplaces are culturally safe and respectful.
This includes not culturally overloading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees by seeking information and advice on The Voice.
Additionally, many GLAM Peak member organisations are government entities which means they are entrusted to remain apolitical and continue to perform their functions in an impartial, ethical, and professional manner.
As well as a focus on supporting the safety and wellbeing of our staff, GLAM Peak encourages our member organisations to provide access to trusted and reliable information about the referendum, and to make these resources visible, accessible, and known to our people and those who visit our sites and engage in our programs, services and events.
We also encourage the Australian GLAM sector to continue without hesitation to provide culturally appropriate programs, exhibitions and events that acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, histories, experiences, artistic creation, and culture.
Ross Latham
Chair
GLAM Peak
GLAM Peak 