First Nations Hub

  • Commitment

    The Library is committed to celebrating and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and extended communities at the University. This extends to First Nations collections, truth-telling, ways of knowledge and engagement opportunities.

  • Acknowledgement of Country

    The Library acknowledges the Gadigal people, the traditional custodians of the land on which most Library locations sit. We recognise the diversity and knowledge of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all University campuses on the lands of the Gadigal, Gamaraygal, Dharug, Wangal, Darkinyung, Burramadagal, Dharawal, Gandangara, Gamilaraay, Barkindji, Bundjalung, Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Gureng Gureng, and Gagadju peoples.

    YILABARA (now) is an acknowledgment of Gadigal land, taking the form of a film. Made by Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money in collaboration with Gadigal man Cameron Davison and his grandfather Uncle Ray Davison the text of the film is in both Gadigal and English languages. 

    Image showing "Always was, always will be" decals in Fisher Library foyer
  • Cultural protocols

    In 2022, we released the University of Sydney Library Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols, which are intended as a set of principles and guidelines to enhance and embed culturally competent practice within an Australian academic library context. 

    View the Protocols Read University news story about the Protocols
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student spaces

    We have 2 pilot spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that have been co-designed with First Nations students. These are culturally safe spaces where students can study, relax and enjoy events. 

  • Collections and resources

    We have a wide variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander materials in our collections. We are unlearning our past collecting practices and centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives. The Library Cultural Collections Reference Group advises, facilitates consultation and assists our teams to embed culturally competent practice across its collections, services, and spaces.

  • Connect across campus

    Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across the University doing amazing work for community. 

  • First Nations Bookclub

    A welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community to meet twice a semester to share stories and yarn about books, movies, podcasts and music. Each session will have a particular theme. 

    Email us to book
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges seminar series

    First Nations staff and community members presented 6 seminars at the Library in 2018. These seminars focused on various aspects of traditional and contemporary First Nations culture.

    Multimedia icon Watch the seminar series online
  • External mental health and wellbeing resources

  • Contact

    Pippa Herden (Gomeroi) is the Library's Indigenous Engagement Officer. Pippa is a Gomeroi woman who grew up in Tamworth, NSW. Her role involves organising First Nations events and engagement opportunities for staff, students and the extended community. She is working on projects that build a sense of cultural wellbeing in the Library’s physical and digital spaces. Pippa is here to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community with the Library.

    Email Pippa