“Spirits of the Soil” draws on the 2024 theme Learning From Legacy: Healing Our Country. In this work, I’ve depicted a solitary tree with leaves formed by traditional dot painting, symbolising the enduring connection between culture and land. The black trunk represents strength and resilience, rooted deep in the soil of our shared heritage. The emu, kangaroo, and three figures, painted in silhouette against the desert landscape, embody the presence of ancestral spirits walking with us, guiding our journey towards healing and reconciliation. Through this piece, I aim to honour the legacy of our ancestors and inspire a collective healing of our country.
Reconciliation means…
Reconciliation, to me, is about acknowledging the truths of our shared history and committing to a future built on respect, understanding, and unity. It’s a journey of healing that honours the deep connections between people, culture, and the land. Through reconciliation, we create a space where all voices are heard and valued, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive nation.
Artist: Kalara Penrith
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
Ground Floor 27 Cope St Redfern 2016
