The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is to have a new home on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, with the announcement of a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural precinct in the area.
Chair of the Council of the National Museum of Australia, Warwick Smith said Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct would be built in Commonwealth Place, on the primary axis in the Parliamentary Triangle.
“We are delighted to hear the announcement of the new Ngurra centre, which will include a learning and knowledge centre and a national resting place to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains,” Mr Smith said.
“This is the result of hard work undertaken by AIATSIS over many years and builds on the recommendations of the 2014 National Resting Place Consultation Report,” he said.
“The National Museum has long supported the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural centre and will assist with the project as it progresses.”
Mr Smith said an architectural design competition would be run this year to develop an iconic design suitable for the location that reflected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ aspirations, achievements and deep connection to Country.
