Exhibition: Pre-European Indigenous Cartography

In June and July, Concord Library will host an exhibition on Pre-European Indigenous Cartography.

The maps presented in this exhibition were created as part of an Indigenous educational program led by Uncle Jimmy Smith. This initiative involved collaboration with community members and organisations, including Victoria Avenue Public School, Croydon Public School, Rivendell School, Mortlake Public School, Five Dock Public School, the University of Sydney, and various reconciliation groups.

The works featured here were produced through workshops held at Victoria Avenue Public School and local library workshops.

These maps offer a visual representation of the deep interconnectedness between land, waterways, animals, and plant life. They reflect an enduring knowledge system that recognises the Traditional Owners of this area as skilled cartographers for more than 60,000 years.

In acknowledging this legacy, we honour the tribal groups of the region and their continuous relationship with Country. Pre-European Indigenous cartography uniquely uses Indigenous language to describe and define Country, embedding cultural knowledge, identity, and connection within each map.  

About Uncle Jimmy: 

Uncle Jimmy Smith is a Wiradjuri and Gadigal Man, and one of Sydney's leading cultural educators. He is passionate about teaching First Nations culture and sharing his connection and understanding of Wangal land with those of us who now live, work, learn and play here.