The supernatural and sensitive Indigenous materials: a workplace health and safety issue?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Australian museums that care for Australian Indigenous collections, appropriately attempt to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees for these custodial roles. Rarely, however, do institutions consider that the cultural backgrounds and beliefs of employees may expose them to unique risks, in particular, culturally accepted beliefs in the supernatural. Indigenous people are often asked to engage with the cultural materials of other cultures, including Ancestral Remains, sacred objects, and objects that, through the processes of collection, may be associated with grief or trauma. Culturally supported beliefs in supernatural powers inherent in cultural materials can lead to distressful experiences. Museums should ensure that culturally appropriate mechanisms are put in place to provide support and counselling for Indigenous staff taking on the responsibility for dealing with Indigenous collections; both of their own and other cultural groups. Such mechanisms will protect staff and reduce the risk of future legal claims against the institution.