First Australians | National Museum of Australia

The National Museum recognises that First Nations peoples may be referred to in a variety of ways, including as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, First Australians or Indigenous Australians.

First Australians is displayed over two floors and includes our powerful Talking Blak to History exhibition.

Explore the shared stories and experiences of First Nations peoples from across the continent in First Australians.

Welcome to Country 2:35

A welcome from our Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri traditional custodians. View transcript

Life in the Torres Strait

Discover the history and vitality of Australia’s most northerly region.

Exhibition highlights

First Australians explores the connectedness of communities whose diverse cultures are determined by diverse environments. Learn about enduring attachments to Country, continuing artistic practices and the impact of colonisation since 1788.

Aboriginal painting in ochres, blue and bright pink. - click to view larger image — *Camelaku Tjukurpa* (A Story About Camels) by Pantjiti Lionel

Wooden shield painted with diamond-shaped motifs in white, mustard and black, with a red rectangle at centre. - click to view larger image — Shield with red square by Paul Bong

Bodice made of dark, dried seaweed. - click to view larger image — Kelp armour by Vicki West

A necklace made from sea shells displayed on a dressmaker's dummy. - click to view larger image — Shell necklace by Dulcie Greeno

A piece of blue glass, honed to a point. - click to view larger image — Kimberley point

Piece of wood inscribed with patterns - click to view larger image — Message stick

Wooden boomerang with one side about one-quarter as long as the other. - click to view larger image — Hooked boomerang

A metal gate with welded metal letters at the top which reads 'BOYS HOME'. - click to view larger image — Kinchela Boys' Home gate

Cresent shaped Aboriginal breastplate incscibed: 'Ada Derika, Queen of Durham' - click to view larger image — Aboriginal breastplate for Ada Derika

Aboriginal breastplate for King Too Too - click to view larger image — Aboriginal breastplate for King Too Too

Dark timber spearthrower, tapering to a point at both ends. - click to view larger image — Yagan's spearthrower

Long narrow wooden pipe, with a small mouthpiece top left. Geometric patterns are etched on the body of the pipe. - click to view larger image — Djambatuka (tobacco pipe)

First Australians tour

Learn about First Nations peoples, their history, culture and connection to Country on this daily guided tour. Bookings essential, costs apply.

What's on

Check our calendar for curator-led, Auslan-intepreted or audio-described First Australians gallery tours.

Explore more online

Basket 1:54

Lee Burgess on his connection to a cane basket from northern Queensland

Wooden container 2:24

Jilda Andrews on a special object that reconnects the women in her family

Endeavour Voyage Explore the untold stories of James Cook and the First Australians.

Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters Explore art, Indigenous voices and innovative multimedia.

Old Masters: Australia's Great Bark Artists More than 120 works from key artists from Arnhem Land.

Defining Moments in Australian History 24 May 2017

Defining Moments 1967 referendum panel discussion

Fifty years after the landmark 1967 referendum, has change truly come for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or is it coming still?

Linda Burney, Andrea Mason, John Maynard and Ray Peckham with Paul Barclay

00:00 / 74:08

Mungo Lady

Aborigines Protection Act

Pemulwuy

Defining Moment National Apology

Walk for reconciliation

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Encounters Fellowships

Songlines audio series

Defining Moments

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Main banner image: Leaving Your Mark on Country (detail), 2016, Libby Harward, painting and multimedia installation. National Museum of Australia

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