Paul Girrawah House
Ngambri (Walgalu) - Wallaballalooa (Ngunnawal) – Pajong (Gundungurra) – Wiradjuri (Erambie) peoples
Ngambri-Kamberri-Canberra Ngurang Ngumbaay (Kamberri Camp 1)
2025
Commissioned by the Australia Embassy, Tokyo
Artist statement
Scarred trees have always been an important part of my life. Trees are important to our people and our way of life. All trees are our relatives and must be respected and protected. The trees nurture and provide homes for our budyans (birds) and safeguard our totems.
The spirit of our Ancestors and old people is in the trees. Trees help anchor our identity and belonging to Country – they hold knowledge, nurture and maintain the wellbeing of our people, plants and animals. Trees help maintain lore and custom.
The design represents the Crow (Yuukeembruk) and the Eagle (Maliyan). Each member of the Walgalu (Ngambri and Ngurmal) and Ngarigu nations inherits a totem. This means that each person or group has a special bond with a specific landscape or natural species such as an animal or plant.
This work is a gift from the old people. A reminder to acknowledge, respect and honour Country and her peoples.
