Australia is often referred to as the "lucky country," known for its stunning landscapes, beaches, unique wildlife, and a relaxed lifestyle. However, the rich and extensive history of its First Peoples is frequently overlooked. This gap in recognition raises questions about the narrative surrounding Australia’s identity. The Deep Time project aims to address this oversight by showcasing the stories of Australia’s Indigenous communities, who have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years. This initiative, developed by ABC News Story Lab, seeks to place Indigenous Australians at the forefront of their own narratives, rather than relegating them to footnotes in history. Deep Time is a collection of approximately 150 cultural stories that illuminate the ancient history of Australia. It invites people to explore topics of interest, engage with local histories, and understand the significance of Indigenous cultures. The project emphasizes the importance of building relationships with Indigenous communities through deep listening and respect. Tanya Denning-Orman, a Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and director of First Nations at SBS, spoke about the historical challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in media portrayals. "There are records of when people living in remote areas had first contact with the media in the early 1900s. Anthropologists and ethnographers took cameras to record Indigenous people, telling the story of us through a colonial lens," she said. Denning-Orman highlighted that negative media representations have led to harmful public perceptions and policies affecting Indigenous communities. The Deep Time project emphasizes the importance of engaging with Indigenous groups respectfully. Many communities have specific guidelines regarding how they share their knowledge. The project invited numerous knowledge holders to participate, resulting in over 130 stories from across Australia. Shannon Bauwens from the Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation expressed his commitment to sharing his culture. "I'm inspired by my deep connection to Country and the responsibility I feel to carry forward the stories of my people," he said. Bauwens explained the significance of the Bunya gatherings, stating, "By sharing it, we show that Aboriginal culture is living, strong, and central to the story of this nation, not a footnote." He also described the importance of scar trees, which serve various purposes in his culture, including as homes for native bees and markers of significant sites. The project also addresses the impact of colonization on Indigenous knowledge and practices. Denise Lovett, a Gunditjmara woman, emphasized the need for truth-telling in understanding Australia’s history. "There's more to the story — it didn't start in 1788. It started a long, long time ago, right back to the Dreaming, and that story has to be told, and it has to be told by us," she said. Jackie Huggins, a Bidjara/Birri Gubba Juru Elder and author, highlighted the importance of recognizing both pre- and post-colonial histories. "In order for us to become fully reconciled and fully human, most of all in this country, means that you have to know the true history of what has happened here," she said. The Deep Time project aims to enrich the understanding of Australia’s history by honoring Indigenous perspectives and experiences. Tasha James, manager of the ABC Archives Indigenous collection, noted the importance of consent in sharing cultural knowledge. She stated that the absence of prior, free, and informed consent undermines community rights and highlights the problematic nature of colonial collection practices. Through initiatives like Deep Time, there is a concerted effort to acknowledge and celebrate the deep history of Australia’s First Peoples, ensuring their stories are told authentically and respectfully.