Culturally sensitive collections

Cultural advice statement:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that our Library collections and sites may contain images, voices or names of persons now deceased. Some items in our collections may contain words and descriptions that are considered offensive. Information may be culturally sensitive for some individuals and communities.

Our commitment to developing culturally competent practices and policies

Southern Cross University (SCU) is a culturally diverse community which recognises that everyone brings their own unique capabilities, experiences and characteristics to the study or work environment. 

SCU Library’s management of culturally sensitive collections works to align with the Gnibi Elder’s principles. Developing this web page is foundational to our work in this area.  

 

The importance of cultural advice statements

The process of colonisation has included the attempt at the silencing and erasing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, contributions to knowledge and as a result, their consent.  
Some of the resources within our libraries collections and sites may contain information that is culturally sensitive or culturally unsafe, and can include assault, challenge or denial of identity and experience. They may also contain images, voices or names of persons now deceased. Some items in our collections may contain words and descriptions that are considered offensive.  
Cultural advice statements improve cultural safety by alerting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about these sensitive materials. Cultural advice statements allow people to then choose to view the item or not, depending on a person's sense of comfort and safety.

Southern Cross University acknowledges and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which Southern Cross University is situated. We value and celebrate the uniqueness of knowledges, cultures, histories, and languages that have been created and shared for at least 65,000 years. Warning: Be aware these Library collections may contain images, voices, or names of deceased persons.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors

This collection contains resources written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The collection emphasises the importance and ongoing contributions of Australian First Nations people in our society. It contains works of literature, poetry, history, textbooks, theses and conference proceedings.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-authors

This collection contains resources co-authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The collection emphasises the importance and ongoing contributions of Australian First Nations people in our society. It contains works of literature, poetry, history, textbooks, theses and conference proceedings.

The Library is reviewing our Library items:

  • Our physical items that contain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content have the relevant cultural notice flag attached to the spine
  • Our book metadata contains AIATSIS Pathways Thesaurus Topical and Place names, and AustLang Language groups
  • Adding a cultural notice to the eBook ‘View Online’ zone in the catalogue for electronic items that contain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content.
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this item may contain images, voices, and names of deceased persons. Some material may be culturally sensitive or reflect authors’ views, or those of a period in which the content was created but is considered inappropriate today.

 

The Library invites your feedback should you come across an item that you believe breaches copyright, relevant laws, or lore, or contains culturally sensitive information. We will investigate the materials and work with you to resolve the matter promptly.

Link to anonymous library feedback form. 

Painted poles on broad walk

Wellbeing support resources

We understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may interact with resources within our collections that are outdated, offensive and retraumatising. If you or someone you know is affected by these materials, you may like to contact one or more of the following services:

13YARN - 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Gallang Place - culturally appropriate counselling and support services Lifeline - 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention Indigenous Australian Student Services