Following on from the “Connecting to Culture” conference in May, respected Indigenous Knowledge holder and Kamilaroi Traditional Owner, Alfred Priestley will share stories about the carved trees from southeast Australia and their complex relationality with First Peoples and with Country.

Together with Professor Brian Martin and Bradley Webb, the panel will share insights on the importance of connecting with cultural materials held in museum collections, Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and the continuation of cultural practices despite colonisation. 

This exchange will be accompanied by a ceremony in the permanent exhibition where two carved trees from South East Australia are displayed.

This event will be held exclusively in English.

Speakers :

• Professor Brian Martin, Bundjalung, Muruwari and Kamilaroi. Director Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous research lab at Monash University and artist
• Bradley Webb is a Bundjalung/Dunghutti man from northern New South Wales and a Research Fellow with the Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous Research Lab, Monash University, Australia.In August 2021 Bradley commenced his PhD at Monash University examining ‘How do colonial frameworks determine Aboriginal representation and cultural heritage?’
• Alfred Priestley is a Kamilaroi man from northwest New South Wales and Director of Gomeroi Dreaming, a company that provides opportunities to Kamilaroi people with training, development, careers, jobs, and business.

Moderator: Roberta Colombo Dougoud, curator of the Oceania Collection at MEG