Culture and the arts

First Australians’ cultures and artistic achievements have contributed to Australia’s distinct sense of identity and style, as well as the way we see our country.

Topics

A topic is a collection of records with interpretation and inquiry questions. Each topic is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and focuses on an aspect of Australian history.

Topic

Notable First Australians

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made significant contributions to the Australian community across a wide range of areas.

Records

Each record focuses on a single item from the National Archives' collection. Some records contain extra information to help you interpret them.

Record

Indigenous activists Eddie Mabo and Jack Wailu on Mer (Murray Island)

A black-and-white photograph showing Eddie Mabo with his friend and neighbour Jack Wailu on Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait Islands, in September 1989.
Record

Indigenous dancer and choreographer Roslyn Watson

This black-and-white photograph shows Roslyn Watson, an Indigenous Australian dancer, choreographer and teacher of international renown.
Record

Portrait of Aboriginal Artist Albert Namatjira

A black-and-white photograph of artist Albert Namatjira standing beside his truck, displaying a landscape painting which is pinned to a backing board.
Record

Portrait of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike (Kurntikujarra)

A colour photograph of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike, also known by his Walmajarri name Kurntikujarra.
Record

Portrait of actor Ernie Dingo

This black-and-white photograph shows the well-known Indigenous Australian actor and television presenter Ernie Dingo.
Record

Senator Neville Bonner throwing a boomerang

Photograph of Senator Neville Bonner throwing a boomerang.
Record

Yolngu actor and dancer David Gulpilil performs on Australia Day

A black-and-white photograph of Indigenous Australian actor and dancer David Gulpilil performing at the 1982 Australia Day celebrations in Canberra.

Announcement

Culture and the arts

Topics

Notable First Australians

Records

Indigenous activists Eddie Mabo and Jack Wailu on Mer (Murray Island)

Indigenous dancer and choreographer Roslyn Watson

Portrait of Aboriginal Artist Albert Namatjira

Portrait of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike (Kurntikujarra)

Portrait of actor Ernie Dingo

Senator Neville Bonner throwing a boomerang

Yolngu actor and dancer David Gulpilil performs on Australia Day

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