The largest and most extensive permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra is that on the First Australians.
It is devoted to the stories and experiences of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Indigenous art
The samples of indigenous art come from different peoples from different ages -- from the world's largest collection of bark paintings to the more contemporary Aboriginal and Islander works.
Indigenous dancers
A pathway of indigenous dancers, in a blend of traditional and modern sound-and-vision technology, welcomes the visitor to the First Australians Gallery.
Struggle and survival
The National Museum of Australia exhibition does not shy away from the conflicts of the past nor with the current problems affecting moves aimed at reconciliation between the indigenous and later Australians.
These include Aboriginal land rights and other current issues regarding the struggle and survival of indigenous Australians.
Consultative approach
Program director Margo Neale said at the museum opening: "First Australians represents a new and highly consultative approach to presenting indigenous history and culture. Not only does it look forward and embrace contemporary themes, it places great importance on revealing the past, animating the collection and providing the visitor with a unique experience."
Hut and canoe
Members of Victoria's Framlingham community have built onsite a 1920s mission hut which visitors can walk through.
Other commissioned works include a sand sculpture used in burial ceremonies in northeast Arnhem Land and a Torres Strait Islander outrigger canoe.
Living cultures
The gallery also profiles indigenous communities and living cultures, such as those of the Anbarra people in Arnhem Land and Wik people in Cape York Peninsula in the north, the Tasmanian Aborigines in the south, the artistic community around Broome in Western Australia. and the Central Desert community in Ernabella.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, formerly with the Australian National University, is co-located on the Acton Peninsula.
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