Community
10 April, 2024
Deep connection to country
A CAPTIVATING exploration of one of Australia’s richest ancient Indigenous cultures, the Mithakas, has arrived in Cairns by the hand of The University of Queensland and the Cairns Museum with ‘Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country’, and will be on display until June 22.
It was officially opened on March 15 at the Cairns Museum and is a collaboration with The University of Queensland and the Mithaka people. Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country, is an exhibition that explores the profound history and culture of the Mithaka people in the outback of southwest Queensland through a visual and narrative journey.
Featuring the monumental Scorpious Stone Arrangement, photographed by Lyndon Mechielsen, this landmark exhibition, not only showcases the geographic marvels of one of Australia’s most remote areas, but also highlights the significant cultural intersections and trade networks that have existed across the continent for millennia.
Cairns Museum curator Daniela Vavrova said it was exciting to have this collaboration between The University of Queensland and the Mithaka people make it up north.
“We are proud to host this touring exhibition that brings to life the stories of Aboriginal peoples’ deep connections to country, incorporating European settlers’ history and scientific research in a respectful and enlightening way,” she said.
“We warmly welcome the Mithaka Curatorial Team and extend our thanks to the University of Queensland Anthropology Museum for sharing the remarkable history of the Channel Country.
“There are photographies, artifacts, maps, archaeological discoveries and video interviews that paint a picture of the Mithaka region across the years.
“This is a culture from the dry country and it’s really interesting to extend that knowledge and presentation of other Indigenous cultures bringing together the Indigenous storytelling and the research of the European settlers.”
The exhibition includes significant contributions from author Alice Duncan-Kemp, whose personal items and writings offer a unique window into the life and times of the Channel Country’s pioneering and Indigenous families.
Key highlights include explorations of the 10 Mile quarry, the Debney Peace Site, and Mooraberrie station, which underscore the historic milestones and enduring relationships that have shaped the Channel Country from the late 1890s onwards.
The exhibition also reveals the story of Mulkamukana, a site of early reconciliation between local Indigenous people and pastoralists and showcases artefacts from one of the world’s largest known Aboriginal stone quarries, documented in unprecedented detail with 3D imaging.
Kirrenderri will be available at the Cairns Museum until June 22.
For more information, visit www.cairnsmuseum.org.au
