A new exhibition at the State Library of Queensland will unveil hidden stories of strength and survival, opening on 8 March.
'The Unbroken Spirit of the Kalkadoons' is a tribute to resilience and the enduring power of culture to heal both land and people.
Kalkadoon (Kalkadunga) woman and visual artist Colleen Sam, along with her mother, Aunty Ena Sam, will share the powerful history of their people's resistance and survival.
Through artworks, animations, and digital stories, the exhibition recounts oral histories of their family's endurance during one of Queensland's darkest colonial periods.
"Culture creates that sense of self and that strength; not only emotional strength but spiritual strength as well," Ms Sam said.
For generations, Colleen and Aunty Ena's ancestors safeguarded their cultural knowledge in secret, ensuring that the Sam family's identity remained strong despite persistent efforts to erase it.
"A key message from our stories and artworks is to celebrate our culture's resilience but also to convey our forgiveness, and initiate processes of healing and reconciliation with the wider community," Ms Sam said.
"We also think that these stories provide a significant contribution to the area's history – and feel that there is a need for further stories about this time which are told from Aboriginal perspectives."
"This will promote a greater understanding and awareness of our culture."
This exhibition sheds light on their story, bringing their family's legacy to a wider audience.
Visitors will also have access to a dedicated learning and healing space, including a yarning circle for community discussions.
Family-friendly labels will be displayed to support young people's exploration and understanding of the exhibition's themes.
State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM said the exhibition provides a rare insight into the quiet courage of the Sam family over four generations.
"It is an act of bravery to share personal stories, and State Library thanks the Sam family for this gift," Ms McDonald said.
The exhibition will run until 24 August 2025, offering an opportunity for visitors to engage with the history and strength of the Kalkadoon people.
