Banner design by ingeousstudios.com

AICCM Reconciliation Committee

“At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.”

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/what-is-reconciliation/

Embedding reconciliation initiatives in AICCM’s governance is key to enhance understanding, appreciation, and recognition of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights through cultural learning. This includes increasing members awareness of the purpose and significance of cultural protocols that support our commitment to First Nations communities in the care, preservation, and representation of their cultural heritage.

The AICCM Reconciliation journey accelerated with the endorsement of the AICCM Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Resolution in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Voice to Parliament.

AICCM Reconciliation Statement 2025

We, the members of AICCM, acknowledge and respect the First Nations Peoples of Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and its waters. We honour First Nations deep and ongoing connection to Country, cultural sovereignty, and knowledge systems.

We acknowledge the injustices experienced by First Nations Peoples as a result of colonisation, the lasting impacts of these wrongs, and the need for truthtelling as part of a shared path toward reconciliation.

We stand in solidarity with aspirations for justice, equity, and the recognition of inherent rights of First Nations Peoples. As conservators, we commit to supporting the self-determination of First Nations communities in the care, preservation, and representation of their cultural heritage.

We recognise the equal importance of cultural objects, their stories, and the relationships they represent, and we align our practices with the guidance and protocols provided by First Nations Custodians. We commit to fostering partnerships that contribute to a future grounded in respect, mutual understanding, and shared opportunity.

Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country

The AICCM encourages all members to incorporate Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country practices as appropriate. Recognising the ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional lands promotes awareness of the history and cultural significance of the land and supports reconciliation.

  • Performed only by Traditional Owners/Custodians of the land where the event is taking place
  • A formal ceremony welcoming visitors to their traditional lands
  • Can take various forms including speeches, smoking ceremonies, songs, or dances
  • Symbolizes permission being granted to enter the land and a blessing of protection for visitors

  • Can be delivered by anyone, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal
  • A way for people to show awareness and respect for the Traditional Custodians
  • Usually a brief statement at the beginning of meetings, events, or gatherings
  • Recognizes the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands

For more advice please see Reconciliation Australia website.

Resources

The following links provide helpful information on relevant topics such as Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP), Artist fees, Indigenous Codes of Practice and relevant organisations and bibliographies:

Documents

Organisations

First Nations suppliers

The AICCM supports First Nations businesses across Australia. Let us know if you have directories in your area to add to this list:

AICCM Reconciliation Committee Members

Heather Bleechmore (Chairperson), Samantha Hamilton, Genevieve Sullivan, Nicholas Flood, Anne Carter, Eleanor Vallier, Sabine Cotte, Misty Wade, Jo Lupgens, Annie Llewellyn, Ffion Olearczyk

About the design

The bespoke AICCM Reconciliation Action Plan design was created by the indigenous creative design and digital agency ingeous studios. It tells the story about connections of the AICCM with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities through inclusion, knowledge sharing and understanding within its work across cultural heritage conservation.

The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) bespoke Reconciliation Action Plan design was created by ingeous studios. It tells the story of the AICCM working to improve inclusivity and to share knowledge and understanding throughout its activities. The stylised design represents the communities, people and collecting institutions which the AICCM works with to conserve Australian First Nations cultural heritage. Each element forms a part of the cultural jigsaw, illustrating the connections between First Nations communities and cultural heritage collections, First Nations knowledge lines and knowledge sharing, and non-indigenous museums and collections.