Yunkurra Billy Atkins, Wokka Taylor and Muuki Taylor were born and raised at Kulyakartu, Kuljali and Kumpupirntily in the East Pilbara region of WA. Yunkurra is the caretaker and custodian of Kumpupirntily while Muuki and Wokka are the protectors of Kulyakartu. This inherited duty is an enormous responsibility as the areas hold immense cultural importance. Last year, during the height of the pandemic, they revisited their country and painted a series of works invigorating their cultural connection. This is their story.

NOTE** On 27 October 2017 the Federal Court finally recognised native title for the Kulyakartu people. The entirety of the Kulyakartu determination area is now subject to native title rights and interests that afford the Kulyakartu native title holders exclusive possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of the Kulyakartu determination area, as against all others. This is the highest form of native title recognised at law and means that in most cases, entry onto the Kulyakartu determination area will require the consent of the Kulyakartu native title holders. (Central Desert Native Title Services 2021, accessed 29 April 2021 https://www.centraldesert.org.au/native-title-item/kulyakartu/)

The exhibition runs from 8 - 29 May
Please click here to download e-catalogue