Gayle Kennedy: Koori Woman, Lurpeen Clarke is an actor and artist. Her portrait is called 'The Kuuyang' and Lurpeen says:
Lurpeen Clarke: ‘I am Koori inside my blood, in my body. I am so proud because I am living in town and it’s called spirit land, and it’s called culture, freedom. Kindly and passionate, and it’s called spirit land. I have done really really well with my family, I have done really really well with my relationship, thanks to Koori people.’
Lorna Munro: Lurpeen Clarke, who has Downs Syndrome, is the daughter of the FPDN Deputy Chair, and the granddaughter of Aboriginal boxer Banjo Clarke. The story of Kuuyang is an important cultural part of their lives, and has been handed down for thousands of years. Lupreen knows the story of her Country and Lurpeen knows the story of the struggle to hold onto the ownership and control of that Country.
Inherited legacy, who are you obligated to, why are we here?
To embody our ancestors, is this not yet clear?
How do we define another lives intertwined,
We walk in giant shadows on our motherland,
Now and forever, you and I.
Gayle Kennedy: Thank you to Wiradjuri/ Gamilaroi woman Lorna Munro. Lorna is a multidisciplinary artist.