The Long Road to Self-Determination

  • Becky Bligh Queensland State Archives, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37683/asa.v53.11079
Keywords: Tandanya-Adelaide Declaration; Indigenous archives; Queensland State Archives; Self-determination; Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property; Brisbane; Australia; Gunggari; Kullilli

Abstract

This reflective essay considers how Queensland State Archives has responded to the Tandanya-Adelaide Declaration since 2021. It weaves institutional reform with lived experience to examine recognition, access, and the challenges of knowledge authority, ownership and self-determination. Examples include projects such as ‘Mob on Mondays’, the First Nations Language Program, and the development of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols. The essay reflects on personal files and surveillance, and on archives as both sites of harm and healing. It argues that truth-telling and cultural authority must guide archival practice, and that self-determination is an ongoing, relational commitment rather than a destination.

Author Biography

Becky Bligh, Queensland State Archives, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Becky Bligh (Gunggari/Kullilli) works within the First Nations Strategy Team at Queensland State Archives. Her work focuses on culturally safe access, and community-centred engagement.

Published
2026-09-14
How to Cite
Bligh , B. (2026) “The Long Road to Self-Determination”, Archives & Manuscripts, 53(1), pp. 61-68. doi: 10.37683/asa.v53.11079.
Issue
Vol 53 No 1 (2025): The Tandanya-Adelaide Declaration: From Declaration to Implementation
Section
Special Issue

Copyright (c) 2026 Becky Bligh

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