Jade Hadfield

2023 Cohort

Pronouns: ia

Jade seeks Indigenous unity, reawakening Indigenous ancestral connections, uniting against colonialism and challenging the hierarchy of knowledge within cultural institutions.

Jade (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara), a curator and conservator residing in Narrm (Melbourne), has over 20 years of invaluable experience gained from prominent cultural institutions, including Te Papa, ICCROM, The Koorie Heritage Trust, Museums Victoria, and her current position at State Library Victoria. Her extensive conservation training has played a crucial role in facilitating the return of her hapū Pou Tūpuna, coupled with a commitment to their ongoing care.

Deeply rooted in te ao Māori, Jade draws on her upbringing to center Indigenous ontologies and epistemologies. Drawing on her cultural sector expertise, she actively challenges dominant narratives and strives to enhance diverse representation, concurrently fostering capacity-building initiatives for Māori and Pasifika communities.

Jade's impactful contributions extend beyond her professional roles, as evidenced by her involvement in various boards, committees, and collectives. Notable affiliations include the Waiohiki Marae Board of Trustees and the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMAGA) Vic, reflecting her commitment to shaping and influencing cultural landscapes.

“I seek to reawaken kinship links, a waka memory that connects us all.”

Social change work

Jade uses her role in the cultural sector to change state institutions , reconnect cultural items and communities, and center community knowledge. At the heart of Jade's approach lies a strong commitment to community collaboration. She crafts impactful exhibitions, deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge and achieve transformative outcomes.