Aboriginal Culture Preserved in Cyberspace

There's a technological revolution under way in remote areas of Queensland.

With the help of digital technology, "we are saving storied to pass on to our children and grandchildren", said Likkian Noah from Pormpuraaw on the Western Cape.

Ms Noah is one of 18 Indigenous Knowledge Centre co-ordinators meeting this week at the State Library of Queensland's Kuril Dhagun Cebtre near Kurilpa Point to share experiences and learn computer and electronic skills.

Former MasterChef contestant Tom Moseby has recently taken on the role of executive manager of indigenous research and projects at SLQ.  He grew up on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, and yesterday said these centres were "helping indigenous communties keep their culture strong".

The IKC project began in 2002, combining traditional meeting places and modern library services.  The 18th centre will open in November on Hammond Island.

Most co-ordinators are femail teachers and elders who record local stories, photos and artwork to be shared with others in the community and people on the internet (at www.ikcnetwork.blogspot.com).

Annie Min is known as "Grandma Library" on Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait.  "I store stories and pictures into the computer in English, Creole and Kala Lagua Ya languages." she said.

Co-ordinators said that, as well as preserving oral history, the initiative gave indigenous communties "a sense of belonging".

Courier Mail, 23 October 2009