Self-determination

“We pay our respects and dedicate the Unsettled exhibition to the people and other Beings who keep the law of this land; to the Elders and Traditional Owners of all the knowledges, places, and stories in this exhibition; and to the Ancestors and Old People for their resilience and guidance.

We advise that there are some confronting topics addressed in this exhibition, including massacres and genocide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be advised that there may be images of people who have passed away.”

Laura McBride and Dr Mariko Smith, 2021.

First Nations self-determination refers to First Nations communities having the agency and tools to ensure that they are able to meet their own social, cultural and economic needs. Historically, power, control and decision making has sat with government and other non-Aboriginal service providers. Given First Nations peoples remain the most disadvantaged group in Australia, it is clear these approaches need to change.

For over a century, First Nations peoples have demonstrated the importance and successes of self-determination. A wealth of evidence also supports the case for these models. Supporting and advocating opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to represent themselves and their cultures wherever possible, is a realistic way in which meaningful change can be achieved.

Culture is integral to First Nations identity, influencing sense of self, belonging, and wellbeing. It is a source of pride, promoting agency and self-determination. Research illustrates that having the capacity to engage with and practice culture has positive social and economic outcomes for First Nations peoples.[1]

Weaving Woman was inspired by the artist’s experience of the Kanalaritja: An Unbroken String exhibition and by participating in weaving workshops with Elders. Weaving Woman is Genevieve’s response to “feeling incomplete regarding my cultural identity, and how reconnecting with cultural practices under the guidance and support of community can help fill a void in one’s relationship with culture”.