yurilyimanha wajarri barna—moving about on Country—explores the role of women and children in revitalising and continuing cultural practices. The embodied knowledge of cultural techniques etched within our bones are re-awoken with the touch of kangaroo pelt and the weaving of emu feathers. The project was named by Aunty Elvie Dann and began in Wajarri country of the Murchison region in Western Australia.  

Reconnecting with our ancestors and visiting special places, we shared knowledge about bush food and medicine, and breathed in Country. After connecting to Country in this way, we came back to Yamaji Art Centre in Geraldton feeling re-energised and ready to create. The first workshop saw each person make three kangaroo pelt bags: one for community, one to keep, and one to teach someone else. The project has resulted in a renewed interest throughout the community to continue this practice and create more cultural belongings. The bags will be regifted back to the South Australian Museum, in trade for Yamaji Wajarri kangaroo bags taken from Country and into its collection.  

“Knowledge is circular in nature, connecting us across time and place. By creating these cultural belongings, we are both looking inside and out of ourselves to awaken the connection passed down through our bones”. Nicole Monks, 2021