Inspiration Aboriginal women are front and centre for NAIDOC Week 2018, with the theme Because of Her, We Can.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – a significant role at a community, local, state and national level.
As leaders, trailblazers, politicians, activists and social change advocates, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to fight for justice, equal rights and to maintain and celebrate culture, language, music and art.
For NAIDOC Week in the Hastings, Arlene McInherny has spearheaded an exhibition showcasing powerful Aboriginal women in our local community.
“The theme for NAIDOC Week this year is Because of Her, We Can and I wanted a way to show some of the strong and powerful Aboriginal women in our local community,” Ms McInherny said.
“Our women are strong and influential and this exhibition is a way they can tell their stories.
“The women showcased are currently based all over the Hastings but have ancestors who span lots of different nations.”
In the exhibition more than 15 women between the age of 12 and 70 talk about what the NAIDOC theme means to them.
“Women have such vastly different experiences and this project was a way for the to reflect on that and connect with their ancestors and their culture,” she said.
“I wanted a way to recognise how strong, powerful and courageous Aboriginal women are and for this to be a way for them to connect with the past and show our emerging generations the future.”
The black and white exhibition is a way to connect women to their ancestors and show their determination to move forward.
“The exhibition is an opportunity for women not to be silenced and to share their story. The women I spoke to are proud of where they are today and want to be heard.
“The images are in black and white with only the eyes of the ladies in colour so people looking at the exhibition can see deep into what the ladies are saying.
“It is all about sisters helping sisters and leading us all forward together.
“Because the more a woman’s worth is valued the better our whole community will be.
“And Because of her, we can.”
NAIDOC Week is from July 8-15 and the Because of Her, We Can exhibition will be at Sea Acres from July 3-20.