Lorna Munro
‘Let me explore my own identity and I will nt try to remind you of how UN AUSTRALIAN you really…
The exhibition “Black on White” is held in the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies in Canberra and is available for touring.
If you think your community would like host this exhibition, hold a participant workshop or add your own voice to this project, please get in touch. For more information, please contact us.
Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: These images may contain portraits of deceased people.
This project is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Namarabang (Charlie) Djordila (pictured below with his family’s permission).
The exhibition “Black on White” was launched at the State Library of NSW from 6 May 2013 until 22 August 2013, and is held in the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies in Canberra.
If you think your community would like to become participants in the project, let us know. The current images can be part of an exhibition in your town and a workshop can be arranged to include your voices in this project. For more information, please contact us below.
Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: These images may contain portraits of deceased people.
This project is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Namarabang (Charlie) Djordila (pictured below with his family’s permission).
‘Let me explore my own identity and I will nt try to remind you of how UN AUSTRALIAN you really…
“We Aborigines understand our culture, language, moeity, ceremony, and staying strong for our country and people. We are very respectable…
“I come from Minyerri. I live on Country near the billabong. We finished one ceremony last month. We never forget…
“My name is Vinnie Rami. I am 19 years old. In my family 2 sisters 2 brothers. I am a…
“I am a Yolngu man. I’m a really good hunter. In the balanda world my goal is to become a…
“My name is Ambrose Daniels. We Aboriginal people have been hre for 60 or more thousand years. Our law was…
“My name is Nora Dhamarrandji. I live at Eastwood (Galuru). I think that Yolngu people should teach the children more…
“My name is Robert Wunungmurra. I am living in a modern world. This is easy for me, but not for…
“Djukaya is a child of the mother who is always responsible, respect and look after mother clans. Our law doesn’t…
“Our way is easy . Balanda (white people) way is hard. Please understand me!” – Jesslyn Wala WalaNT…
“Aboriginal Culture – Strong, Powerful, understanding ach other through ceremony and culture, bush food hunting, fishing. Workplace through culture where…
“COMMUNITY – close to family and friends, great fishing spots. Arts and Crafts. Care and Share. Blackfella Culture too easy.”…
“We are strong people living in the NT, with strong CULTURE. Our people can survive in the bush with their…
“We don’t want white people to come into our land and country to run us down and breaking our culture…
“My name is Merrill Guyula. I live by my ancestors law. I was taught by Elders to maintain our law…
“We like to play football in our home. It’s good to play football on hard ground, we are tough.” –…
“Let us make decisions on our Community and our Land like we have done for thousands of years. WE LIVE…
“To me as a Black Man, I see white people as being Indigenous somewhere in the world.” – Albert Wiggan…
“My name is Robert Dann and I am a Nyul Nyul Man. I see white people sometimes as ignorant and…
“My name is Arthur…It a shame for what they did to our people, they could learn a lot, but they…
“Hi my name is Arak Dann, I am from Broome WA. I believe that a balance plays a vital part…
“We as the Indigenous people, we feel our race is second best, why, we don’t know…….” – Natalie Dann…
”1. 1. Ignorant 1776 2. 2. Emus (head in the sand) 3. 3. Still ignorant 2010 4. 4. A meaninful…
“My name is Mary Charles, Plum Plum & Yunni My views on (Mullungundie) white people: 1. 1. paranoid 2. 2…
“Need to Understand – You do have a Culture in Australia – Understand it, and treat it with respect” –…
“My name is Georgina Dann, I live in Beagle Bay Community on the Dampier Peninsula (Western Australia) I think white…
“We don’t want you pity, just your UNDERSTANDING. Come down from the clouds now and then and walk with me”…
“My name is Alice Briggs. I’m from the Yorta Yorta TRIBE. I would love to learn more about my culture…
“My name is Wendy Taylor ( Yorta Yorta) I am proud to know my Aborigibal Culture and history to hand…
“I am a person who would live with my cultures always in my heart. The respect of listening to my…
“My name is Te’a. My tribe is Yidinji from Far North Queensland. I am 12 years old. I am proud…
“Some white people need to respect all Aboriginal people and our culture. When you go to another country you respect…
“Education needs to include: – sharing of our culture – acknowledge all our learning styles – sharing of knowledge, to…
“Don’t understand us. No Respect for our history. Always stereotyping us…” – Trish…
“My name is Trish, taken as a 2 1/2 year old girl from Walligar Lake, I became one of the…
“My name is Terrance Johnson and I’m 23 and born in Mildura, raised in Albury. I got 3 kids and…
“Hi my name is Sheryl Delphin, I‘m 18 and I was born and raised in Albury/Wodonga, I have 6 sisters…
“Bundajlang. Same white people still try to rule the Koorie” – Rita Wenberg…
“OUR CULTURAL HISTORY HAS BEEN DENIED BY THE IGNORANT WHO THINK THEY KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR US” – Richard…
“People from other countrys must respect our people” – Nancy RookeWiradijre…
“Noonjar/Wamatji (WA). I will forever teach my children what I have been taught by my elders about Country & Culture…….Land…
“My name is Martika! My tribe is Barkindji! Hope for understanding of our culture & language not just by Aboriginals,…
“We all have our own Culture and Stories. We should respect each other for our journey in life is not…
“Hello peeps, my name is Kevin Galbraith. I am here to talk about the racism in our community (Albury NSW)…
“We have the knowledge to one of the oldest living cultures in the world, it belongs to everyone, aboriginal and…
“My Mob – Nyoongar/Yamatij WA. FAMILY – I have a mixed heritage of Irish, Swedish, Scottish and ABORIGINAL. I am…
“I teach Ancient Aboriginal Basket Weaving which I learnt from Auntie Sharon (Kennedy), in 2004 at West Side Community Centre…
“The wide community must recognize the expertise in individual Aboriginal People and the organizations they work for, and work together…
“If we can teach the people living in this country today of the ways traditional peoples lived here in the…
“I think non indigenous people should be proud to call black people “friend”. Learn our culture from each each other.”…
“Without Vision the People will Perish. In 2011, I feel we have a huge lack of leadership & vision. Our…
“Hello, my name is Clem Edwards. Aged 22. Born in Hamilton Victoria, raised in Albury Wodonga. My tribe is Yorta…
“Hi my name is Andrew Galbraith, aged 20, I was born and raised in Albury. I have one sister and…
“My name is Alison Murray, I belong to the Wiradjuri tribe and Barkinji tribe. I live in Albury. I trained…
“Trish.C. Kamilori Women’s Maternity Worker. Need to value our history, look after all our people. Not about skin colour, it…
“My father has an English background, so education was a big part or influence from my father. The university degree…
“My name is Angus Kerindun. I live in Aurukun. I’m proud of my culture, is strong.”…
“Indigenous people are culturally strong. We live off the land and still practice our culture, for generations it has been…
“My name is Jonathan Korkaktain. Born in Aurukun, lived here all my life. I went to school here. I have…
“My name is Jayden, I live in Aurukun, but I go to boarding school in Ipswich Grammar. And I think…
“My name is Roxanne Yunkaporta. I love my community and there’s lots of fishing places you can go. I work…
“HI THERE ! My name is Thomas Toikalkmy. I love my community and we are strong in our culture and…
“My name is Tyrone Hall from Ngempaa & Gomeroi Country. I would like an Aboriginal Dance Group to be in…
“My name is Corey Shipp. My family is from Ngemba Country. I would like to see equality amounsgt Aboriginal and…
“The time has come to respect each other and our Culture. We are a Proud Mob. Violet Lousick nee West…
“My name is James Wilson-Miller, a proud member of the Gringai Clan of Wonnarua Nation, from the Hunter Valley. I…
“Dear Belinda, My name is Ray Peckham ( Dubbo) Wishing you a long life and your wonderful exhibitions too, God…
“You don’t have to leave your Culture and Language behind in todays world or lifestyles. Find time for it always!!!”…
“We are proud Wiradjuri people, Richard & Ruth Carney, and have strong bonds with all people.”…
“You need to maintain balance in surviving in this contemporary society. An education, a career to support yourself, family and…
“Reconciliation can’t be a government driven process because thats dooms to fail. It’s got to be living in the hearts…
“To have identity, you need not to be ashamed of your culture and heritage, rather take the positive aspects as…
“Respect ur self, ur family, ur Elders and ur mob. Reconciliation is about standing with others no matter who they…
“Its all about roots, foundation, focus and vision. Your roots and foundation are your family, culture. You come from a…
“My name is Yaingayaingarra, which means “to help”, My english name is Rebecca Beetson. I belong to the Gamilaroy &…
“Ngangk Kemp – Feel good inside your heart” How I was before, I smoke and drank and went to jail…
“My Clan is Wik Waya and my Totem is Porpoise. I live with my mum and dad and brothers and…
“When I was a little boy, the Elders took us camping out at Amben in the dry season to find…
“My name is Rhianna Poonkemelya. I live in Aurukun all my life. We went out fishing yesterday and my brother…
“My name is John Blowhard. Before I was an alcoholic. It was really hard for me to quit drinking. I…
“Today we have the white society and the black society and live in both worlds.” – John PoonkameyaAurukun…
“Back before white man came, Missionary Fred McKenzie brought Aboriginal people into Aurukun. 5 Tribes are here. My tribe is…
“Hi, my name is Delwyn Gothachalkenin. I went to school everyday and I won a trip to Sydney to see…
“There has to be an equal respect about laws. You need to respect our laws and we need to respect…
“My name is Bruce Martin. I have a full Aboriginal Mother and a white Father. They separated when I was…
“A PROCESS FOR POLICE SUMMARISING RISK MANAGEMENT FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS 1. IDENTIFY THE HAZARD – Physical hazard – Chemical hazard…
“My Sister was born in Sydney Women’s Hospital in 1968. My Mother was put on the street after birth…without my…
“We will never forget them – LEST WE FORGET – All our Aboriginal Warriors who gave us so much and…
“Hey, I’m Kaylene I am a proud Gunai Kurni woman, and yes I am Aborigina, and yes I finished school,…
“I AM A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AND COLONISED REFUGEE FREEDOM FIGHTER. Pre-emptive strike, weapon of mass destruction. Undeclared war, secret invasion…
“MY NAME IS TALGIUM CHOCKO HOWARD EDWARDS. My countries – Palawa, – Boonwerung – Taungerung – Yorta Yorta – Muthi…
“Hi, my name is Laurie Munday, (far right) Wradige Tribe. I was born 29.06.1940. I was taken away at 5…
“I am a proud Wiradjuri woman. Education is the key to share our history, be strong and proud of where…
“Hello, my name is Katrina Taylor. I’m a proud Wiradjuri and proud to be born in Sydney, semi raised in…
“Doing Art expresses a great link between community members. We always need to honour our Elders and Ancestors and continue…
“Hi, My name is Colin Jame Young. Born in Wilcannia in 1956. Move to Albury with sister Patrice and her…
“Hello, My name is Paris-Maree I am an Artist!! I am a proud Thunghutti Woman We all com in different…
“My name is Sharon Murphy. I grew up on the Block. It was a good place to meet family and…
“We are all one nation, one family. We are all Australians” – Ronald Harrigan…
“Education is the pathway for appreciation the beauty of culture.” – Francis Walker…
“We have white culture in our blood, we are not shy of any white people,we have white friends, we go…
“CJ Fischer KuKu Yalangi Bama Totem Owl Tree Lizard. I would teach our culture, show Bush Tucker and Bush Medicine…
“Come and learn about our culture. I go to school to learn about your culture.” – Asheruhny WalkerWajul…
“Don’t believe all the negatives you see on television, we aren’t all the same. Like anybody from any background, we…
“When we are all equal is when we lie side by side. (because we can’t choose where we lie)” –…
“WE ARE BLACK WE ARE OUT AND WE ARE PROUD DON’T KNOW MY MOB, I’M STOLEN GEN.” – MACCA, Melbourne…
“Doesn’t vote, never will. Feels like an alien in my own country, always will.” – Popeye, Gunditchimare…
“Always stand up for your rights and be counted and keep your family strong” – Uncle Graham MumbullaYuin/Dunghatti/Wiradjuri…
“NAIVE TITLE (not native title) Red Rum spelt backwards is MURDER. Red rum was the part of the Chemical warfare…
“Freedom for Aborigines and Asylum Seekers, always was always will be Aboriginal Land. We too have human rights, Asylum seekers…
“STOP THE INTERVENTION, STOP THE LIES.” – Kerry Reed-GilbertWiradujri…
“Respect – No Alcohol – DRY CAMP, Aboriginal Land, TRIBAL LORE.” – Alice HainesGommilliroi…
“STOP DENYING US OUR JUSTICE RESPECT OUR LAND, SELF DETERMINATION VS PATERNALISM” – Lyle SwanKamilaroi…
“I used to live in this house. So many people overdosed here. I lost count of how many body bags…
“Stereotypes: If someone didn’t know me they’d look at me differently because I am dark. It’s only a COLOUR not…
“Remember who you are and where you come from, cos if yu don’t know who you are and where you…
“I am blessed with the most beautiful baby boy born with a disability, who is the light of my life…
“Gamilaraay – No Nothing, that comes from a story before the light. Aboriginal people made the light. There was us…
“I don’t know much about my background, but I am still learning as I go, because I didn’t grow up…
A LETTER TO THE DOMINANT CULTURE “Don’t forget who you are and where you come from, the circumstances of your…
“1872-75 South Pacific Island Protection Act states that all the laws to be passed over the land are to govern…
“Brisbane Tent Embassy, Australia’s true history: Murder, Rape, Theft. Australia is a crime scene” – Lillian Mickelo & Anthony ChambersJarwoir…
“Coming from an Indigenous background, I find a lot of inspiration in my family. Being such a strong and loving…
“I got involved in Aboriginal Affairs in th 1950’s and 60’s with teh Mooree Aboriginal Advancement Committee. I was elected…
“Hi I’m names Bill (JUB) Smith bundjalung/Arwle. I am proud to be an Aboriginal to-day happ to be alive, I…
“STOP! Say G’day We are one beaneath this Aussie Sun, If you take the time to embrace whats mine: My…
“I like to talk about developing and understanding between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people to forget the stero types and…
“You can kill the people that carry the truth BUT you cannot kill the TRUTH. ABORIGINAL DEATHS IN CUSTODY, “I…
“My name is Kelsey Strasek-Barker. Grew up in lightning Rodge NSW, but moved to Tamworth in2003 and lived here for…
Amy Lee Hammond, Born Moree – grew up Wellington. Work in Aboriginal Theatre supporting artists to tell our stories. “It…
“Sovereignty Never Ceded. We have never been defeated. When white Australia looks at an Aborigine that are reminded of their…
“Connect to you country look after you elders teach your kids tell stories this is our culture.” – Alison Page…
“My Dad Amos Donovan Snr sacrificed alot in his life to make my life better, he has to endure racisim…
“Listening and Learning Together Aunty Lynette & Simon Davis Proud Worimi Gumbaynggirr Elder of the Gathang speaking nations Minyang Nyura…
“Understanding of the past 2 move FORWARD” – Will Worrimi, Biripi Minginbul…
“What we need is a day to celebrate our collective memories, multiple identities in unity – an Australia Day for…
“Aboriginal Issues is not just a black issue nor a government issue. Its and Australian issue! I am just as…
“Non Aboriginal Australians, open your mind & heart to a Culture and Peoples that have walked this land Australia for…
“What I’d like to tell white Australia: I was basically raised as a white myself, but always wondered who I…
“Gumbaynggirr Country Living together with all Gumbaynggirr people on the coast.” – Reg Davis, Gumbaynggirr…
“Its not just a legal or symbolic question, its a moral issue. You have the power, its not ok to…
“I have had a good long life, Thank DAD and Mum xxx Lost but found, I’m home I’m Wiradjuri” –…
“The truth of our future on 3 things: 1. –We were always here and we are not a newcomer 2…
“BINNGA BINNGA YALADA NA YULPU – BIRIPI UNA TO THE PEOPLE AND ANCESTORS OF BIRIPI COUNTRY, MY FOOTSTEPS WILL BE…
“I’m Elaine Morris Born and bread in Wauchope Biripi Country, PROUD OF MY COLOUR AND PEOPLE, ERNIE MORRIS is my…
“Everyday I am grateful for the people in my life. I ask the creator to watch over me and my…
“THE LAST KINECTION loves you !! xoxo – KABI KABI MOB WE WERE HERE FIRST GET OVER IT PS: We…
“Don’t dismiss the anger, as you dismiss the past. Just because they are white doesn’t mean they are bad, that’s…
” I am a stolen child of a stolen child who has had a child stolen from me. Through government…
”Compassion, Strength, Motivation, Courage, Positive, Walk together, BELIEF” – Sue Pinckham, Biripi…
“We are people! We know just as you do how to run our lives. Listen to us and we will…
“This is our country, but we are not recognised here by the Lands Councils say that we are all Dead,…
“Even though they talk of reconciliation, its not really happening because its coming from the mouth and minds and not…
“An Almost IMPOSSIBLE puzzle has been forced upon us to solve, It’ now EVERYONE’s responsibility to fix this….” – Tim…
“All Peoples need to work from their hearts and not their minds.” – Aunty Eva RichardsonPalawa Women Trawlwoolway Tasmania…
“The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs should be Aboriginal.” – Rodney DillonAboriginal Tasmanian…
“SAY ‘NO’ to intervention, NOT in Bankstown, NOT in the Northern Territory, NOT ANYWHERE.” – Aunty Carol Carter, Kamilaroi…
“Family, Kinship, identity, culture, and connection to keep us strong! Don’t underestimate the importance of this…. it makes us who…
“My cousins are dissappearing because of these white people and it hurts me bad. So please stop, I’m loosing my…
“Institutional Racism’ is still around, and this country has a black history. Why are Aboriginal people treated differently in our…
“I am now fighting two fights. Being BLACK – I’m blessed Being DisABLED – it’s a gift I can’t win…
“My name is Sean Ryan. My people are the KUKU NYUNKAL from Far North Queensland. Culture is a living thing…
“It’s time for white Australia to admit the truth that they have a black history, and if they admit the…
“Invasion, removal, assimilation, you can stuff your reconciliation, another wasted government directive $$$, sovereignty, landright conciliation, as I decolonise my…
“If white people could stop labelling Aboriginal people as ‘not them again’ we are not drunks! bludgers! fighters! we are…
“I have been around the world. My most proudest moments was when I smoked ist Pope John Paul in 1986…
“My name is Charles Madden, or Uncle Chikka around the inner city (Redfern) I am an Elder from Gadigal Country…
“Yolngu – our law stays the same, doesn’t change. We got our home, we know or home. We know our…