We’ve got some exciting news to share with our community! The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) took home the People’s Choice Best Poster award at the AAA 2024 Annual Conference held in Cairns earlier this month. Our poster, "The Permanence of Impermanence: Mapping the Indigenous Humpy Complexes on Arabana Country," was a big hit, and we couldn’t be more proud!
The AAA Annual Conference is a major event for archaeologists and heritage workers across Australia, bringing together people who care about protecting and preserving culture and history. This year, the conference in Cairns was a chance to connect with others in the field, share knowledge, and learn about the many ways we can all work together to protect our lands, stories, and traditions.
AAC was honoured to be there, with our staff, board members, and Traditional Owners representing our people and sharing the important work we’re doing to preserve the history of Arabana Country. It was a fantastic opportunity to network and engage with other communities and groups, but it was also about making sure that Arabana voices are heard in these spaces.
Our poster, "The Permanence of Impermanence", was all about the traditional humpy complexes on Arabana Country – the structures our ancestors used for shelter and living. These sites are not just physical spaces; they hold deep cultural meaning for our people. The poster shared our journey of mapping these places, learning more about their history, and making sure we protect them for future generations.
The title, “The Permanence of Impermanence,” reflects how these sites and structures might change over time, but their importance to us and our culture will never fade. Through this project, we’ve been documenting these places, and it’s been powerful to see the stories they hold. We’re proud of this work and the recognition it’s receiving.
Winning People’s Choice Best Poster was a big moment for AAC, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our community. From the Traditional Owners to the board and staff, everyone played a part in making this project a success. A big thank you to BHP Copper SA Heritage Team for sponsoring the project. It feels amazing to see Arabana culture being celebrated and respected in this way, and it shows just how much we’re achieving together.
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to look at our poster, vote for us, and support our work. This recognition is just one step forward in the ongoing journey of protecting and sharing the rich history of Arabana Country. This award is just the beginning of a much bigger journey. We’re going to keep pushing to preserve Arabana Country and share our culture with the world.
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