First Peoples

Bunjilaka's exhibition on Victoria's first peoples.

Through the voices and languages of our Koorie community, First Peoples tells the story of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of Creation to today.

This major exhibition celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria's Aboriginal people.

Meet members of the community aged 8 to 72, and hear them speak about their identity, community and culture in the Deep Listening Space. Enter the nest of Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle and ancestral spirit, and hear how he sang the Country, Law and people of the Kulin nation into being. Hear the 38 distinct languages of Victoria. Walk awhile with the Messenger, your virtual guide through the customs of Koorie people and how their lives changed after European settlement.

In Many Nations, more than 600 historic and contemporary artworks and objects made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are displayed. Each object's story helps to show the extraordinary diversity and sophistication of Australia's cultures.

First Peoples was co-curated by the Yulendj Group of Elders, community representatives from across Victoria, and Museum Victoria staff. Yulendj is a Kulin word for knowledge, which describes the deep cultural and historical knowledge that the Yulendj group brought to the exhibition. We thank them for generously sharing their stories and artworks.

Presented with thanks to the Yulgilbar Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and Rio Tinto Ltd for their significant support.

Be transported to the time of Creation through the story of Bunjil (the wedge-tailed eagle), Creator for many Victorian Aboriginal clans, inside the Creation Cinema

Hear from Victorian Aboriginal people aged from 8 to 72 speaking about their identity, community and culture in the Deep Listening Space

Join the Messenger - virtual human guide - on a journey of discovery through the exhibition

Uncover stories and objects telling how the First Peoples lived before European settlement, highlighting Aboriginal Australia's complex web of social, cultural and economic ties

Marvel at more than 600 historic and contemporary artefacts from across Victoria and Australia, from one of the world's premier collections of Australian Aboriginal cultural material

See contemporary artworks and objects commissioned from Koorie artists

First Peoples is a permanent exhibition on display at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre located in Melbourne Museum.

First Peoples is co-curated by Yulendj ('knowledge') Group of Elders and community representatives from across Victoria with Museum Victoria staff - contributing stories, objects and deep cultural and historical knowledge to this exhibition.

First Peoples was developed with the significant support from Yulgibar Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and Rio Tinto Ltd.

❊ When & Where ❊

Happens: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Times: 10am - 5pm

❊ Venue ❊

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre Events 6
⊜ 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton | Map

✆ Event: | Venue: 13 11 02

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