An exhibition showcasing personal stories of cultural connection, community and the artistic talents of Koorie youth from the Hume Region of Victoria is now open at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

My People, Culture and Country is an outcome of Museum Victoria’s Indigenous Pathways project, which is designed to support Indigenous students as they connect with their cultural heritage. The exhibition, which was created by seven students from the Hume Region, explores themes of people, place and culture through objects, artworks, photographs and documents drawn from Museum Victoria’s collections and personal objects.

Through the project the students experienced working at the Museum, spending time behind the scenes with staff from various departments and Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. As they explored the collection the students discovered more about their cultural heritage, giving them the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an Aboriginal person within their community. As one student explored the collections, she found photographs of relatives she had never seen before. These experiences are reflected in My People, Culture and Country.

The students also created artworks and learned traditional practices such as weaving and making spears in workshops facilitated by Museum Victoria and Victorian Aboriginal artists.

“By creating this exhibition, the students have made their own connections between the past and the present and in the process developed a deeper appreciation of who they are and where they have come from”, says Caroline Martin, Manager, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

“This experience – the skills and the knowledge that they’ve gained along the way – is invaluable and will encourage them to think more broadly about not only their communities but also about possible future careers”, said Liz Suda, Program Co-ordinator, Humanities, Melbourne Museum.  

My People, Culture and Country is part of the Bunjilaka Community Exhibition Program, an annual program of changing exhibitions celebrating the creativity of Koorie artists and communities from across Victoria.

My People, Culture and Country has been a partnership between Museum Victoria, Hume Region Local Learning and Employment Networks, Hume Region Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Wannik Unit and Hume Region Catholic Education. 

My People, Culture and Country

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum

Nicholson Street, Carlton

Until 25 June 2011