“These artworks left this country many years ago, in the fifties and probably in the late forties, and they are finally back home. It is a wonderful opportunity in the partnership that we have with Curtin University and Colgate University that has allowed us to establish this Carrolup Elder’s Reference Group, to be the reference group to guide and protect and to tell the stories of a profound group of children, children that are known as the Stolen Generation.” - Tony Hansen, Chair Carrolup Elders Reference Group.
The recently launched Curtin University’s Carrolup Centre for Truth Telling is the new permanent home for historic artworks created by Nyungar children of the Stolen Generations
After an incredible 65-year journey circumnavigating the world including a 40-year hiatus in the US, where the works lay undiscovered in storage, Colgate University in New York granted Curtin University’s John Curtin Gallery custodianship of the Collection in 2013, where they are cared for under the guidance of the Carrolup Elders Reference Group.
In the sidelines of the launch, Carrolup Elders Reference Group Chair Tony Hansen said the State Government support from Lotterywest would help drive truth-telling, engagement and education programs.
“Under the leadership of Elders, this funding will support the development and delivery of transgenerational healing and truth-telling programs in a culturally safe space for First Nations’ people, especially the most disadvantaged – the Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities,” Mr Hansen said.
