FIRST NATIONS HISTORY AND CULTURE ILLUMINATED IN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM’S NEW UNSETTLED EXHIBITION
- Written by Isabella Gasparotto
The Australian Museum (AM) will showcase the cultures of First Nations peoples in a new series of talks, tours, and workshops to accompany its groundbreaking First Nations led exhibition, Unsettled. Running from Saturday, 22 May to Sunday, 10 October, this series will provide a deeper understanding of the powerful Unsettled exhibition which reveals Australia's foundation story including First Nations resilience and survival through historical documents, objects and artworks.
Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO said the series will allow visitors to engage, hear, and learn from First Nations leaders and cultural practitioners directly.
“The Museum is committed to being a strong advocate for First Nations’ cultures, and this new series of exciting, creative, and participatory events is no exception.
“These events will continue the work of Unsettled by digging even deeper into the important themes and stories shared in the exhibition. We hope visitors leave with a greater understanding of the lived experience of First Nations peoples, appreciation for cultural traditions, and awareness of the legacies left for our nation,” McKay said.
Spanning tours, talks, films, workshops, weaving, and much more, the series includes:
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Unsettled Opening Weekend — The weekend's huge program is bursting with free and ticketed events that will give visitors a deeper understanding of the traditions and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Throughout the two days, Gahdungal Murrin Dancers will be performing in Hintze Hall and the team from Ngumpie Weaving will hold an open workshop for all to join. Two free curator events in store during Opening Weekend include: Contested Possession: In Conversation with Elder Waubin Richard Aken and Dr Mariko Smith on Saturday, and the Curator’s Address with Dr Mariko Smith on Sunday – both at 11am. Registration essential. | 22 and 23 May 10am – 4pm |
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| Unsettled Exhibition Tours — As a First Nations-curated exhibition, Unsettled provides visitors direct access to the experiences of First Nations people. Add to your Unsettled experience through a tour with our knowledgeable First Nations guides, as they illuminate the meaning of key exhibition objects and offer a deeper understanding of how we can truly settle this nation. | 22 and 23 May at 10:15am, 11:30am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm, and 3:30pm; Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 10:30am – 11:30am, 1pm – 2pm; Thursdays, 6pm from 27 May to 30 June during Nights at the Museum |  |
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| Breakfast with a Curator — Join Dr Mariko Smith, curator of Unsettled, for an exclusive tour of the exhibition before the AM opens to the public. Delve into the process of developing an exhibition, including the groundbreaking research and extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that informed Unsettled. The tour is followed by a light breakfast made with Indigenous ingredients. | 17 June, 22 July, 26 August at 8 – 9:30am |  |
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| Winhangadurinya: Aboriginal Meditation — Winhangadurinya is a Wiradyuri word for meditation, deep listening, knowing, reflecting. This unique workshop offers both an authentic and heartfelt introduction to First Nations culture and a chance to take time out in a hectic world. Connect with ancient ancestral knowledge and spirituality. Facilitated by Aboriginal cultural practitioners, “Milan Dhiiyaan.”| 22 May, 23 May, 29 May, 30 May, 11 Sept, 12 Sept at 10:30am – 1pm and 2pm – 4:30pm |  |
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| Barrawimambinya | Coming into Country the Proper Way — In this immersive workshop, develop a deeper understanding of “Welcome to Country” and “Acknowledgement of Country.” First Nations cultural practitioners, “Milan |
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| Weaving: Ngumpie Weaving — Cultural practitioner Tegan Murdock from Ngumpie Weaving shares her passion and culture in this hands-on weaving workshop for all skill levels. Experience a unique opportunity to connect with the ancestral knowledge that lives within this significant cultural practice. | 3 July and 7 August, 1pm - 3pm |  |
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| Talk Series: No Justice No Peace — Uncover the history of policing and incarceration of First Nations peoples in this country and how these injustices continue today with Latoya Aroha Rule, who will share the story of their brother Wayne Fella Morrison, who died in 2016 following an alleged altercation with more than 14 police prison officers. The talk will be opened with a special poetry reading by Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna person, Dominic Guerrera. | 17 July at 1pm |  |
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| Healing through Weaving – Kurrajong String and Flower — Learn weaving and string-making techniques and their cultural significance with Ngiyampaa Elder Aunty Daniella Chedzey. Open to beginner and experienced weavers. | 22 May, 23 May, 5 June, 4 September; 1pm - 3pm |  |
EVENT DETAILS
What: Unsettled Program Series
When: Saturday, 22 May - Saturday, 10 October 2021
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://australian.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: @australianmuseum
Instagram: @australianmuseum
Twitter: @austmus
About the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With more than 21.9 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.
About Dr Mariko Smith (Breakfast with a Curator)
Dr Mariko Smith is a Yuin woman with Japanese heritage. She undertakes an interdisciplinary practice which encompasses museology, contemporary art, visual sociology, research methodology, epistemology, and history.
Mariko has worked in the museum and tertiary sectors in Sydney, specialising in Aboriginal cultural heritage, community-based cultural resurgence projects, and incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into museum and artistic practices.
She has a PhD from the University of Sydney (Department of Sociology & Social Policy) in Aboriginal tied-bark canoe making practice through cultural resurgence. Mariko is the First Nations Curator at the Australian Museum and also an Honorary Associate in the School of Literature, Art & Media at the University of Sydney.
About Latoya Aroha Rule (No Justice No Peace)
Latoya Aroha Rule is an Aboriginal and Māori, Takatāpui person residing on stolen Gadigal land, Sydney. They’re a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney, an educator, freelance writer and organiser of #JusticeforFella.
In 2020 they were named as one of five global 'Guardians of the Year' in Time Magazine's 'People of the Year' edition, and were also named as one of Deloitte's Top 50 LGBTQI+ Leaders of Australia.
Latoya’s pronouns: Them/they
About Tegan Murdock (Weaving: Ngyumpie Weaving)
“I want my weaving circles to help break down barriers between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. I hope I can help educate and contribute to a more peaceful world where our children can all walk as one, hand in hand, no matter their skin colour or cultural identity.”
Tegan Murdock is a proud member of the Barkindtji / Maurara tribe originating from Coomealla, Lake Victoria and the Mungo regions from her mother’s ancestors. While also belonging to the Yorta Yorta and Dhudaroah tribes originating from the Shepparton area of her father’s ancestors. She was born and raised in the small country town of Coomealla (25kms north west of Mildura on the NSW and Victorian border of Australia) on the Namatjira Mission.