Principles of Previous Possessions New Obligations
“The first principle of Previous Possessions New Obligations recognises the right to self determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in respect of their cultural property. The policy recognises a multiplicity of interests in indigenous peoples’ cultural property but emphasises the primary role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have in respect of their cultural property.”
Below are the 13 principles on which the Museums Australia policy, “Previous Possessions, New Obligations” is based. This is followed by further information on policies and legislation concerning this important area of museum practice.
Statement Of Principles In “Previous Possessions, New Obligations”
Self Determination
- Museums support the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to self-determination in respect of cultural heritage matters.
Management and collections
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in management of collections and information, and their use in the public programs and communication of museums, including exhibitions, education and publications, is essential.
- Objects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural property held by museums, and the information relevant to them, are of equal importance.
- The special needs and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women must be recognised by museums so that all activities and operations are culturally appropriate.
Access to collections and information
- Museums must provide relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with information, in accessible forms, as to what is in their collections.
- Access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander items and information must be appropriate as determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: access to some items must be restricted in accordance with tradition. Assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Museums have a responsibility to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the management of cultural property and in providing training in research and documentation to people of those communities.
- Museums must assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups in the care and preservation of objects. Conservation practice must adapt to cultural requirements, most particularly in respect of secret/sacred items.
- It is appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to obtain funds for special projects and in such cases they may then approach a museum to be involved in the project. Such an approach puts the major decisions as to what is important in the hands of the community. Museums should assist and be involved in the project if requested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Employment and training
- The employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in museums must be dealt with by application of anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity legislation relevant to the jurisdiction. Museums must encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply for employment.
- Training in museums and employment by them of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must start at as high a level as possible: in all cases training should lead to actual employment in meaningful jobs.
Policy formulation
- There must be meaningful participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the highest policy levels of museums through such mechanisms as are appropriate in the local situation.
- All museums have the responsibility to strive to obtain adequate resources to fulfil their role in respect of collections and programs. Museums should play a role in helping to obtain adequate resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to fulfil their aspirations in respect of their material cultural heritage.
An Acrobat version of the complete policy is available from the Museums Australia site. An account of the development of the policy was given at the Reconciliation Convention in Melbourne in 1997 and is published on this site.
Recent developments are further summarized.