The recent discovery of Aboriginal statues in the archives of the Australian Museum has ignited a passionate journey led by Irene Ridgeway, great-granddaughter of one of the depicted individuals, Nellie Bunjil. Originally commissioned in 1925, these statues were created during a time when Aboriginal people were discredited as a 'dying race.' Through her documentary 'Her Name is Nanny Nellie,' Irene aims to honor her ancestor's legacy by restoring dignity to her life story and ensuring the statues are presented with their true identities, rather than as mere objects of study.
The uncovering of the Aboriginal statues serves as a profound reminder of the essential need to acknowledge and celebrate the identities of Indigenous ancestors, transforming them from mere objects into recognizable individuals.
Irene Ridgeway’s quest not only aims to honor her great-grandmother Nellie Bunjil but also seeks to confront historical narratives that have marginalized Aboriginal voices and experiences.
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