Melbourne Museum
(of Museum Victoria)
Bunjilaka
Bunjilaka is a major destination for teachers and students
who are searching for meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples perspectives
on Australia's history, law, politics and contemporary society.
The name 'Bunjilaka' is derived from two words in the Woiwurrung
language from the Melbourne region: Bunjil, meaning 'creator', and,
aka meaning 'soil or ground'. It signifies the land created by Bunjil,
a significant creation ancestor from south-eastern Australia. The
name was decided by the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
of the Museums Board following discussion with representatives of
Woiwurrung and Boon wurrung peoples.
Bunjilaka is a multi-purpose venue offering a varied range
of programs, services and activities including exhibitions, information,
demonstrations, performances, workshops, educational activities and
catered functions. Bunjilaka comprises four major spaces:
- Jumbunna, a Woiwurrung word meaning story telling, is the
exhibition gallery and temporary exhibition space;
- Milarri, a Woiwurrung, a word meaning 'outside', is an
outdoor garden with a performance space; a link space; capable of
supporting programs and functions. This also includes Wurreka,
the zinc wall art installation. This is a Wamba Wamba word meaning
to speak;
- Kalaya, a Wamba Wamba word meaning to ask questions, is
an activities area, and performance space and;
- Wilam Liwik, a Woiwurrung word meaning Camp
of Elders, is the Elders meeting Room.
Exhibitions
Themes, objects and images have been chosen to tell stories about
Indigenous Australian people, their close association to the
land, and their law and knowledge systems. Exhibitions
promote an understanding of the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people. It explores the importance of land to Indigenous
people throughout Australia, and some of the issues faced by Indigenous
people trying to negotiate their status in a colonised nation.
Bunjilaka has attempted to exhibit Aboriginal history and
culture as dynamic, resonating with Australian contemporary issues
and realities. The three exhibition zones are:
Koorie Voices celebrates the history, dignity and survival
of Aboriginal communities in Victoria. It includes encounters with
European people on Aboriginal land, case studies of communities regaining
autonomy and issues related to the stolen generations.
Belonging to Country explores the strong spiritual associations
Indigenous Australians have with the land. A close look at Indigenous
art and objects reveals the complex issues relating to Indigenous
people's cultural and political identity and history. It addresses
the issue of the importance of Indigenous peoples' perspectives and
knowledge as an essential part of the management of both the natural
and cultural resources of the land.
Two Laws explores the themes of Aboriginal knowledge, law
and property. It also speaks to the relationship (past, present and
future) between Aboriginal people and Anglo-Australian law. Two Laws
addresses issues such as cultural and intellectual property rights,
repatriation, and the meaning of 'Dreamtime'.
Milarri - The Outdoor Garden
Milarri is an outdoor space planted with vegetation well known to
Aboriginal peoples around Victoria for food, shelter and medicines
as well as many other uses. The setting is informal encouraging interaction,
but also have the ability to provide a restful, reflective space.
The Garden provides an indigenous perspective and understanding of
the importance of specific elements of the natural environment. A
'walking trail' will provide additional layers of information and
links with the exhibitions inside Bunjilaka.
For more information, visit the website of Museum Victoria:
www.museum.vic.gov.au
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