Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers, please note that this page contains images of deceased persons which may cause sadness or distress.
Indigenous Management of Country
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Our Aboriginal, Indigenous communities and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been caring for country through fire management, for tens of thousands of years. They believe in a reciprocal relationship, and that if we take care of the land and sea, our land and sea will take care of us. In my two paintings 'The Cool Fire' and 'The Low Burn', I wanted to pay tribute to this knowledge and respect to our First Nations people. |
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References: Photograph: Dennis Sarson/Lochman Transparencies 2.Karla Wonga Fire Talk
Equality for Indigenous Soldiers
Very little is known about the approximately 400 Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Peoples* who served in World War One; 11 of whom died at Gallipoli.
On the battlefield, they were considered equal, yet they received no recognition or support when they returned home.
‘Not Forgotten’ pays tribute to all First Nations people at Gallipoli, who showed the same loyalty and bravery as other Australians. The composition of the painting is designed to remember the presence of Aboriginal Australian soldiers, in the now peaceful and calm Anzac Cove.
In particular, I pay respect to Trooper Alfred Cameron, service number 1173, who enlisted in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment when he was 24 years old and served at Gallipoli.
*I respect all Aboriginal, First Nations, Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Indigenous Australians and mean no disrespect in using terminology that might be different to how they self-identify. I have used the terms interchangeably here to try to be respectful in this way.
On the battlefield, they were considered equal, yet they received no recognition or support when they returned home.
‘Not Forgotten’ pays tribute to all First Nations people at Gallipoli, who showed the same loyalty and bravery as other Australians. The composition of the painting is designed to remember the presence of Aboriginal Australian soldiers, in the now peaceful and calm Anzac Cove.
In particular, I pay respect to Trooper Alfred Cameron, service number 1173, who enlisted in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment when he was 24 years old and served at Gallipoli.
*I respect all Aboriginal, First Nations, Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Indigenous Australians and mean no disrespect in using terminology that might be different to how they self-identify. I have used the terms interchangeably here to try to be respectful in this way.
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Thank you to Peter and Meryl Mansfield-Cameron for their permission to refer to Alfred’s photograph for inspiration and to Gary Oakley at the Australian War Memorial.
