Anniversary of the Koori Mail’s First Edition

23 May 1991

The first edition of the Koori Mail was published on Thursday 23 May 1991. The anniversary recognises Aboriginal ownership in media and the importance of First Nations people reporting their own news, experiences and achievements.

An Aboriginal-owned national newspaper

The AIATSIS catalogue records the first issue’s exact date. The newspaper describes itself as established in May 1991 and wholly Aboriginal owned. Reading the publication record alongside its own account avoids confusing the first edition with later launches of digital archives or anniversary events.

Who tells the story matters

A community-owned newspaper can make room for perspectives, local achievements and debates that receive limited attention elsewhere. Its significance involves ownership, editorial decisions, employment and an ongoing relationship with readers, as well as the stories printed on its pages.

The anniversary can be used to examine representation in news. Compare how a First Nations publication and another outlet cover the same issue, considering whose voices are quoted and what background is included. Difference does not automatically mean one community has a single uniform view.

The newspaper’s continued publication is also a record of everyday life, sport, arts, community events and political change. An archive should be approached with care: public access does not automatically grant permission to republish photographs, articles or personal information.

Reflecting and learning

Read an authorised edition or selected archive item. Who is speaking, who owns the publication and what does that change about the account being told?

Start with the sources below and distinguish the original event from later interpretations and commemorations. When using this date in a classroom or workplace, allow time for questions and further reading. First Nations peoples have diverse histories and perspectives; this brief introduction does not speak for every community.

Sources and further reading

• Koori Mail catalogue record — AIATSIS
• About Koori Mail — Koori Mail
• Koori Mail archive — AIATSIS

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.