15 September 2005

“Our families are our support network. Our families are the centre of our world. Without the support of our families we would never have survived the past and could not survive the present”.

“Yakapna: The Koorie Family”, a photographic essay from the Koorie Heritage Trust collection, will be exhibited at the Shepparton Art Gallery from 22 September to 30 October 2005.

The essay was first published in The Australian (‘Images and Essays’) and was developed in collaboration with researcher Tracey Johnson and the Koorie Heritage Trust.

Two hundred years of oppression by the dominant culture has highlighted and strengthened some unique features in Koorie families. It has also caused major disruptions to the fundamental family structure. Koorie families and communities are now made up of a mixture of people who identify strongly with the lands of their ancestors. Most importantly, the strength of family connections has remained.

Through these images and stories, this exhibition is an opportunity for the viewer to get an insight into Koorie family life, traditions and culture and relate to it through their own family experiences.

The Koorie Heritage Trust aims to ‘bridge the cultural gap’ within communities.

Koorie Heritage Trust, 295 King Street, Melbourne.  Tel: (03) 8622 2600

The Shepparton Art Gallery is supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund, and through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.