Ancestral futures in practice - museums as platforms for continuities

Recognising and embedding First Nations concepts within museum work has characterised museum practice for the past two decades. Today, First Nations leaders within museums have the opportunity to extend on this – translating concepts into practice in ways that feel natural and empowering.

Hear from Jilda Andrews, the inaugural Deputy Director, First Nations at the National Museum of Australia as she shares insights into her mode of museum work as an expression of her own Yuwaalaraay cultural practice and a commitment to bringing forth the expectations of her ancestors into the future.

Dr Jilda Andrews is a Yuwaalaraay cultural practitioner and was recently appointed Deputy Director, First Nations at the National Museum of Australia.  She has more than 25 years’ experience as a leading scholar of museums, anthropology and cultural futures.

Jilda has worked extensively in the galleries, libraries, archives and museums sector in public-facing audience, learning and exhibition roles, as well as exhibition design and gallery development – including the Museum’s Great Southern Land gallery and the Australia Pavilion for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. 

Jilda is extending continuities from Australia’s deep cultural roots to inform dynamic, culturally strong and inclusive communities and future societies.