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Recommended for all ages
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
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?
This exhibition features:
Very low light
Seating area
Light projections
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore some of the archives and resources that tell Australian South Sea Islander histories.
HASS, English Years 1–2
HASS Years 3–4
HASS, English Years 5–6
HASS, English, Science Years 7–8
HASS, English Years 9–10
Visual Art Years 9–10
Uncle Doug Mooney | Welcome to Our Community
Remembering Plantation Creek, Ayr, Queensland, 2024
Recognise, Reflect and Rise
Mal Meninga and his brother Geoffrey share their family story and talk about their Australian South Sea Islander heritage, 2013
The Old Place: Lot 71, Bli Bli, Queensland, 2019
Archaeology, collections, and Australian South Sea Islander Islander lived identities
Australian South Sea Islander collections
Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders Large Print Guide
Queensland Museum blog
Australian South Sea Islanders
Research guide
Indexes 1867 – 1948
Open data lists 1867 – 1948
Explore Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders from anywhere in the world with our virtual tour. Navigate around the exhibition to view the featured objects, records and artworks.
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian South Sea Islander visitors are advised that this virtual tour 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.
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.
View our calendar of exhibitions, events, activities and school programs.
Join a free, guided tour with a curator to hear personal insights, stories and reflections on the making of this landmark exhibition.
Explore the deeply individual and universally human phenomenon of secrets in this Queensland Museum exhibition, on display for the first time.
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