STORY - Peeneeyt

 

This artwork tells a story of strength. I was back home on Kirrae Whurrong country a few weeks ago (August) and my Uncle was telling me a story of how him and my nan were moved around a lot when they were little.

There was one story in particular that really stuck with me, one where when he was 5 they moved to Naarm (Melbourne). When they arrived they were told they were not allowed to stay because they were Aboriginal, but they also were not allowed to get back on the train home (to Warrnambool). Him, my nan and their mum (my granny) had to walk from Melbourne to Warrnambool, but only during the night when no one could see them. I asked why it had to be dark and he said "we would have got shot".

Their strength and their connection to culture amazes me, when they grew up in a time where it was so difficult to live, even day by day.