Kirrenderi: Heart of the Channel Country
Posted on January 17th, 2023
‘Kirrenderri’, the heart of the Channel Country is renowned as an intersection for Aboriginal trade networks that connect the Australian continent. Revelations of the age and scale of sites in this landscape press for a reimagining of the deep history of this country. The exhibition Kirrenderri, the heart of the Channel Country explores the complex interconnectedness of generations of Channel Country people, encompassing 130 years of stories from the region, beginning with accounts retold by the author Alice Duncan-Kemp to the contemporary lived experiences of Mithaka Aboriginal people. This rich resource of knowledge is presented alongside recent archaeological discoveries which have the potential to inspire a complete reimagining of the way we view the complexity of
Australia’s Aboriginal past.
The University of Queensland Anthropology Museum in collaboration with Mithaka people of Channel Country present Kirrenderri, highlighting stories through rarely seen collection artefacts, historic and contemporary photographs, letters, maps and archaeological discoveries illustrating the cultural and aesthetic riches of the Mithaka region of Channel Country. Over 6,000 visitors to the UQ Anthropology Museum and Outback Regional Gallery in Winton have enjoyed the exhibition so far!
Visitors are invited to explore the resilience of relationships forged on the Channel Country from the late 1890s to the present between Aboriginal and pioneering families, with continuing ties to Country, the cattle industry and supporting industries.
Where to see the exhibition
3 February – 24 March 2023 Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery – Official Launch 3 February
62 Valentine Plains Rd, Biloela QLD 4715, Email RSVP to enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au
15 April – 16 July 2023 Wirrarri Information Centre – Official Launch TBA
29 Burt Street, Birdsville Queensland 4482
For further information, contact Mandana Mapar, Curator m.mapar@uq.edu.au
Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country is a travelling exhibition presented and toured by The University of Queensland Anthropology Museum, with support from Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation and Diamantina Shire Council. The exhibition tour is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
