A series of sculptural works by Gail Mabo, daughter of Native Title activist Eddie Koiki Mabo (1936–92), refer to the maps her father made to form the basis of his famous landmark claim over Mer (Murray Island) in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands), which opened the door for other claims to be granted. In Wadth, Zigin ar Kusikus 2005, artist Alick Tipoti shares important cultural stories of a neighbouring island in the region, clearly affirming his family’s ongoing connection to Country — one of the many criteria for successful recognition of Native Title for communities across the continent.

Conversely, instances of large-scale pollution and destruction are examined in Judy Watson’s bloom 2009 (referring to blooming algae) and Quandamooka artist Megan Cope’s RE FORMATION 2016–19, which critiques early colonists’ extraction of lime from historic middens (towering, centuries-old mounds of discarded shellfish and molluscs) to use as building materials in early Brisbane City.