First Nations Speaker Series

Mungari: Curators In-Conversation

Kirsty Beller, David Johnson, Clare Woolley
(Gweagal Clan, Dharawal Nation) - Gujaga Foundation

Marika Duczynski
(Gamilaraay/Mandandanji) - Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney.

Thursday, April 10 | 5:30pm doors for a 5:45pm start

In March 2023, Trinity College, the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Gujaga Foundation and the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council announced the permanent repatriation of the Gweagal Spears to the La Perouse Aboriginal community. By 2024, the spears had finally arrived back on Dharawal land. Mungari: Fishing, Resistance, Return, an exhibition at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, traces the extraordinary journey of the spears and the resistance of many generations that led to their return and the safeguarding and continuation of fishing traditions practiced in the community today.

Join curatorial team Kirsty Beller, David Johnson, Clare Woolley and Marika Duczynski for a conversation exploring the making-of Mungari, a celebration of the long-awaited homecoming of four of the most significant spears in Australian history.

Join us for some refreshments in the Sounds Cafe after the lecture.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Kirsty Beller belongs to the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation. Kirsty’s work in community involves projects, research and Dharawal language and ensures her community’s stories and knowledge holders are at the front of decision making in the La Perouse Aboriginal Community. Her ancestor was a small child when the Endeavour sailed into Gamay and she was one of the curators of the Mungari exhibition.

David Johnson belongs to the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation. His ancestors were present at the landing of the Endeavour in Botany Bay in 1770. David was apart of the delegation that retrieved the Gweagal Spears in 2024. David is a leader in the La Perouse Aboriginal Community and leads Projects and Cultural Events. David was also a curator for the Mungari exhibition.

Clare Woolley belongs to the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation. Clare works within the La Perouse Aboriginal Community doing Project and Consulting work, sharing her community’s stories and perspectives. Clare and her family can trace their ancestors back to first contact on the shores of Kurnell in 1770. She holds a wealth of knowledge on plant medicine and weaving, amongst Gweagal practices. Clare was a curator on the Mungari exhibition.

Marika Duczynski is a Gamilaraay and Mandandanji woman and Curator of Indigenous Heritage at the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Her curatorial practice is driven by the right of First Nations communities to self-determine representation and return of their cultural heritage held in institutional collections. Marika was a curator on the Mungari exhibition.

The University of Sydney, Museums of History NSW and GML Heritage are co-presenters of the First Nations Speaker Series (FNSS) Program.

The FNSS program provides a platform for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, authors, artists, professionals, and curators to share ideas about history, heritage and culture. The series facilitates holistic, community-led, and thought-provoking discussions, and aims to facilitate cross-sector dialogue, bridging the gap between industry, academia, and cultural institutions.

The FNSS acknowledges the historical silencing of injustices and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on First Nations people. It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and heritages are sources of community strength and resilience, and that strong connections to families, culture and Country are essential to wellbeing.

The Series supports truth-telling to provide a fuller and more accurate account of Australia’s history, recognising the strength and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It employs trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that support culturally informed communication and participation, while fostering a culturally safe space that centres First Nations peoples in the decision-making processes.

This event is proudly supported by the Chau Chak Wing Museum and Gujaga Foundation.

Image: David Johnson by Cornel Ozies, 2024