It is with sorrow that ANTaR ACT acknowledges the passing of respected Ngunnawal elder Aunty Agnes Shea on March 11, 2023. Aunty Agnes was a tireless advocate for recognition and rights in the ACT region, and a kind and generous elder who radiated warmth and affection. One of our members, Jeanette, who had known Aunty Agnes for many years, has written this tribute.
Also in this bulletin, an update for our March and April meetings – a change of plans – and interesting events and exhibitions coming up in Canberra over the next month.
ANTaR ACT monthly meetings
Our March meeting is still on Monday 20 March, but will now focus on an update on the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, as well as general business. All are welcome to join us online from 6pm to hear an update on the Healing Farm from Yehuwdiy Dillon, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Partnerships, ACT Government. Please email info@antaract.org.au if you would like to join us, and we’ll send you a link.
Our April meeting will be on Monday 3 April (moved forward due to Easter), and will focus on the Voice, including an update from the ANTaR National meeting at the end of March. Again, all are welcome, please email us on info@antaract.org.au if any questions you would like us to cover, or you would like to join us.
Events
The Wentworth Lecture, AIATSIS
Friday 17 March, 12noon-2pm, online (registration required)
Delivered by Professor Greg Lehman, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Aboriginal Leadership, University of Tasmania – on the topic ‘Seeing the Australian Frontier: how colonial art subdued our national history’.
Koori Comedy Showcase
Sunday 19 March, 7pm, Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre
Part of the Canberra Comedy Festival, Koori Comedy Showcase brings you a night celebrating all things blakfulla. Canberra’s best up-and-coming as well as established Indigenous comedians are bringing you a night full of good vibes and laughs.
Ngunawal language workshop with Tyronne Bell
Saturday 25 March, 10am-12noon, Canberra and Region Visitors Centre
Cost involved, bookings via Eventbrite.
The workshop is designed to teach an Acknowledgement of Country in Ngunawal language – the language of the traditional inhabitants of the ACT and surrounds.
Looking back, moving forward
The second talk in the series ‘Looking back, moving forward: Indigenous knowledges informing our modern world.’ is on Tuesday 11 April, details to be announced. Find out more on the Academy website.
Exhibitions
FLUENT: Noŋgirrŋa Marawili & Leo Loomans
Exhibition on to 16 April, Drill Hall Gallery
Presenting the work of Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, a revered elder associated with Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre in Yirrkala, and Canberra-based sculptor Leo Loomans. Both artists intrigue us with their feats of linear invention… What would be the desire of a line if not to extend, to flourish, to luxuriate, to connect, to interact, to dance? Fluency would be its ultimate objective.
Belonging
Exhibition to 13 August, First Australians Focus Gallery, National Museum of Australia
In these vibrant and innovative works, emerging and established First Nations artists from across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait explore new materials and techniques as they share what it means to belong.
Jack Green’s Paintings
Exhibition at Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House
Jack Green’s Paintings is a new exhibition that amplifies First Nations voices and demonstrates democracy in action. Garrwa man Jack Green, from the Gulf Country in the Northern Territory, uses art to document history and tell stories. In this powerful series of paintings Jack explores the impact of the mining industry on his Country, culture and community.
ANTaR ACT wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Canberra is situated, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We would also like to acknowledge other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may visit this area.