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Mura Gadi-a guide to manuscript, pictures and oral histories in the National Library of Australia relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an online catalogue of the Library's rich resources relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The name, contributed by Ngunawal/Ngunnawal elder Matilda House, means 'pathways for searching' in the language of the original inhabitants of the region where the Library is located. We hope Mura Gadi will provide a new 'pathway' to assist those searching for material relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The National Library's Australian collections have been developed over a period of 100 years. In addition to its holdings of books by Australians and about Australia, the Library has significant collections of manuscripts and archival materials, paintings, drawings, prints and photographs which form an important record of Australian life. Its large Oral History Collection includes extended interviews with Australians from many walks of life, and folklore recordings of traditional and popular songs, dance music, stories and beliefs.
Included in the Library's Collection is much material recording Australian Indigenous history. Mura Gadi-a guide to manuscript, pictures and oral histories in the National Library of Australia relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lists and describes this significant material. (Though it does not list the many books, periodicals and other publications in the Library relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples-these printed materials can be found using the Library's Online Catalogue).
The descriptions in Mura Gadi are intended to go beyond the limitations of conventional library cataloguing. They cover material ranging from the eighteenth century through to the present day. One of the aims of the guide is to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples better access to significant historical and archival material which is part of their story in this country, and which for all sorts of reasons has been obscured from view.
We ask that the information contained in Mura Gadi be used in a manner consistent with the views and sensitivities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In some cases, access to confidential or sacred material has been restricted by those who deposited the material in the Library or other relevant Indigenous communities, the conditions of which are listed in the catalogue. Users of the guide are advised that it may contain culturally sensitive words or descriptions, some of which might not normally be used in certain or community contexts. Other expressions reflect particular viewpoints or time periods which would be considered inappropriate today. Please also be aware that viewing the names or images of deceased persons may cause sadness or distress to members of some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
We welcome comments, suggestions and other feedback on
Mura Gadi.
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