The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, to work together preserving and developing their Indigenous collections.
Chief Executive of AIATSIS, Craig Ritchie said the partnership will help both organisations better preserve and share the stories of Australia and New Zealand’s Indigenous peoples.
“We are both committed to telling the long and continuing stories of our nations,” Mr Ritchie said.
“By working together, we will ensure that those stories are preserved, protected and shared in the best ways possible for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori people,” he said.
“This agreement for international cooperation means we can learn from each other’s strengths and expertise, and continue to build our capabilities in a relationship of shared commitment and two-way exchange.”
Chief Executive of Te Papa, Geraint Martin said as a bicultural institution, Te Papa was honoured to formalise its strong ties with AIATSIS.
“We have so much to learn from each other, and to explore and celebrate together,” Mr Martin said.
Te Papa’s Kaihautū (Māori co-leader), Arapata Hakiwai said Te Papa and AIATSIS shared common values.
“We share a deep commitment to scholarship, to community engagement, and to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous communities are heard on their own terms,” Dr Hakiwai said.
“We look forward to working with our Indigenous Australian colleagues to continue that mahi (work).”
