Glasshouse Regional Gallery presents
Secrets of Dawn
Secrets of Dawn is a powerful, award-winning exhibition that exposes the tactics of assimilation enforced under the NSW Aborigines Protection Act (1909–1969).
The award-winning Secrets of Dawn exhibition features content from Dawn Magazine alongside contemporary works from Coota Girls Survivors and descendants, exposing the tactics used under the Aborigines Protection Act (1909-1969) to progress the agenda of assimilation of First Nations people.
Through powerful truth-telling, Secrets of Dawn honours Coota Girls Survivors and all Stolen Generations Survivors who, despite efforts to eradicate First Nations people and culture through assimilation, have resisted and persisted through truth-telling, healing and self-determination.
Viewer Discretion Advised
We respectfully caution First Nations viewers that Secrets of Dawn contains images and stories of deceased persons.
This exhibition explores Stolen Generations history and Survivors’ personal stories, which viewers may find distressing.
Dawn Magazine contains deeply racist language and ideologies reflecting settler-colonial attitudes toward First Nations peoples.
This exhibition is part of our Education @ Glasshouse 2026 Program