Australian South Sea Islanders

Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders


Now on until 13 July 2025

 

Recommended for all ages

Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Level 2

Map

Free

About the exhibition

More than just sugar, the histories and lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islanders are intricately woven into the tapestry of this country’s diverse cultural landscape. However, this part of Australia’s story remains relatively unknown. On the 30th anniversary of National Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders, Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders brings into focus the community’s tumultuous history and how in its aftermath a new community was born.

Come and take a moment to be a part of history and say our name, Australian South Sea Islanders.

"Strength and resilience are words we use to describe ourselves and we, Australian South Sea Islanders – or South Sea People – truly embody these qualities. Our community descends from South Sea Islanders blackbirded, coerced, taken and recruited into forced and unforced labour on Queensland’s sugar and cotton plantations in the late 19th century. Once called ‘the forgotten people’, Australian South Sea Islanders have a unique cultural identity and are a proud community who are still here today." 
Imelda Miller, Curator, Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders

#SayOurNameQM #ASSI30Years

Recognition: 30 years on

On 25 August every year, Australian South Sea Islanders celebrate community. On this day 30 years ago, the Australian Government recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group and in doing so acknowledged their history of exploitation, discrimination, and resilience. In 2000, the Queensland Government also formally recognised Australian South Sea Islanders and their contribution this state’s economic and social foundations. What is the impact of recognition? How has it shaped identity? What does it say about Queensland? 

Accessibility

For accessibility assistance and resources for this exhibition, please visit our accessibility page or contact the museum on (07) 3153 3000.

1. We, South Sea People

Australian South Sea Islander identity is shaped by strong family networks and deep community connections extending along the eastern coastline of Queensland and parts of New South Wales. Discover more about who Australian South Sea Islanders are and how they unite through recognition, identity, and future aspirations.


uncle-holding-net

Uncle Doug Mooney, 2024

Photographer Sarah Scragg

2. Our Ancestors

South Sea Islander men, women and children were brought to Australia from across the Pacific Ocean as labourers. Some were coerced, kidnapped, or deceived in a practice known as ‘blackbirding’. Others came voluntarily to work on the sugar plantations. Explore how South Sea Islanders brought with them customs, ceremonies, and cultural knowledge which have mostly been eroded over time by colonial influences.

our-ancestors

South Sea Islander labourers arrive at Bundaberg, Queensland, on a large, three-masted sailing ship.

John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Record number 99183512854802061

3. Sweet as Sugar

Queensland’s sugar industry and the history of human movement for the cultivation of commodities like sugar, tea and tobacco is recognised as part of a global plantation economy – colloquially called the ‘Plantocene’. South Sea Islanders were similarly treated as a resource for feeding the global appetite for sugar – life was anything but sweet as sugar. Today, new generations of people have been reclaiming their plantation heritage.

card-sweet-sugar

Sugar cane plantation in Mackay, Queensland

Date c. 1874

Photographer Richard Daintree

Queensland Museum Collection

 4. In sight

Plantations were places of colonial power controlling the lives of South Sea Islander labourers – from the clothing worn to where people lived and how they were documented. Amidst the many legal and social constraints, though, grew a community of strength and resilience. Take a closer look at how South Sea Islander people lived and gain new insight into their story of survival.

card-in-sight

A group of Australian South Sea Islander women work on a sugar cane plantation near Cairns, Queensland, c. 1895. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Negative No. 63220

5. Stay or Go

By 1901, new legislation driven by the White Australia Policy dramatically changed the lives of South Sea Islanders living in Australia. Facing forced deportation to home islands, many South Sea Islanders politically mobilised in their fight for freedom. Learn how adversity and activism led to the emergence of the Australia South Sea Islander identity.

stay-go

South Sea Islander men and children wait for medical examinations before deportation from Cairns, Queensland, 1906. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 30243

6. Series of Fragments

The small number of South Sea Islanders who were exempted from deportation in 1906 began new lives throughout Queensland. Today, exists fragments of their hidden histories in the landscape, historical collections, and family stories. Discover more about these clues and how reclaiming the past gives voice to Australian South Sea Islander experiences and identity.


series-of-fragments

Heritage listed stone wall built by South Sea Islanders in the 19th century, at Bargara near Bundaberg, 2000. Photographer Brian Rogers. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image No. 28873-0001-0188

7. Strengthening Connections

Despite fragmented histories and intergenerational trauma, Australian South Sea Islanders create spaces in their homes and communities to preserve stories. By blending old and new – practices and experiences – connections to family, cultural identity, ancestors and island roots are strengthened forming a greater understanding of identity and place in the world.


card-community-workshop

Debra DeBree and Alton Budd

Community Workshop, 2024

Photographer Peter Wallis

8. Say Our Name

With a story of exploitation, resilience, unity, and activism stretching back 160 years, the Australian South Sea Islander identity connects and empowers. The 30th anniversary of national recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group is a time for reflecting, educating, and sharing our unique stories. On this day, take a moment and say our name, Australian South Sea Islanders.


5th-annual-recognition-celebrations

Australian South Sea Islander Recognition Day 1999

Rockhampton. Queensland Museum Collection.

Discover the artists featured in the exhibition.

  • Darren Blackman
  • Luther Cora
  • Florence Jaukae Kamel
  • Kyra Mancktelow
  • Dylan Mooney
  • Jasmine Togo-Brisby
  • Joella Warkill

Acknowledgements

Banner image: Colourised image copy of original postcard. South Sea Islanders cutting cane in the Bundaberg district, c. 1906. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image no. APO-032-0001-0018 (digitised image).

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian South Sea Islander visitors are advised that this display contains images and accounts of people who have passed away. We also advise that any racist and derogatory language contained in the display is ‘of its time’ and does not reflect the contemporary views of Queensland Museum. We have preserved this as part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation and to help our audiences understand both past and ongoing experiences of Australian First Nations people.

Queensland Museum extends respect and gratitude to the Australian South Sea Islander community for sharing their stories with us. We extend our respects to Elders of the Australian South Sea Islander community who have made significant contributions to our community’s cultural fabric and worked hard to increase awareness and visibility of Australian South Sea Islander histories, heritage and experiences.

Queensland Museum acknowledges our partner State Library of Queensland, support from Queensland State Archives, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, National Archives of Australia, and the Australian Research Council for funding the project - Archaeology, collections and Australian South Sea Islander lived identities.

Stay in the loop!

Get the latest exhibition, events and programming activities at Queensland Museum Kurilpa every month, with our free eNews straight to your inbox!