The Library encourages use of its collection items in accordance with the Australian Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocol and in line with advice received from ICIP holders.

The Library can advise whether or not ICIP exists on particular items it holds. 

Requestors of ICIP related material are responsible for making reasonable efforts to seek consent to use it.

Seeking consent

The process for seeking consent varies depending on the specific ICIP materials and the First Nations communities involved. 

Seeking consent is a fundamental step in respecting the traditional ownership and cultural significance of ICIP materials. It ensures that these materials are used in a manner that respects First Nations peoples' cultural and intellectual property rights. The Library encourages all requestors to approach this process with sensitivity and respect.

Initial points of contact

Relevant state-based Land Councils and representative bodies

Land Councils are responsible for managing land rights and are a good starting point for seeking permissions related to land and associated cultural practices. Some states and territories also have Indigenous representative bodies that are established as statutory authorities to represent First Nations communities. These can also provide information on contact points for traditional custodians and communities.

A State-based contact list is available below.

Native title representative bodies

Native title representative bodies are established under Australia’s national system for Native Title recognition.  They represent First Nations peoples in matters related to native title and can guide permissions related to areas where native title exists.

A list of Native Title Representative Bodies is contained on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website . 

Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)

ORIC oversees registered Indigenous corporations and many First Nations groups manage their cultural intellectual property through these corporations.

Find more information on the ORIC Website. 

National Indigenous Australians Agency

The National Indigenous Australians Agency is the Australian Government’s central point for coordination and communication regarding Indigenous policies and is equipped to direct queries or facilitate engagements with Indigenous communities.

The NIAA also has regional offices across Australia. You can contact these offices directly for localised support and specific inquiries related to a particular region or community. 

Detailed contact information for each regional office can be found on the NIAA website . 

Local cultural centres

Many communities have cultural centres that can provide or direct inquiries to the appropriate contacts for seeking permissions. An internet search for the community is a good place to start. 

List of Land Councils by state

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Main article: Aboriginal land councils in the Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

As of July 2019, the 11 Registered Aboriginal Parties  (RAPs) cover around 66% of the state. They are:

Western Australia

See also: Aboriginal groupings of Western Australia

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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