Outstanding lifetime legacy to NSW Aboriginal arts and culture honoured
04-12-2024
Cultural advisory: please note that the following article contains the name and references to someone who has passed.
The legacy of Donna Biles Fernando has been honoured with the ACHAA Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to NSW Aboriginal Culture, Heritage and Arts.
A proud Muruwari and Ngemba woman from Brewarrina, Donna’s tireless advocacy and pioneering work as a curator and arts worker transformed the relationships between Aboriginal communities and cultural institutions. Her instrumental role in developing the Terri Janke and Company’s First Peoples: A Roadmap for Enhancing Indigenous Engagement in Museums and Galleries that was added to the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries 2.0 helped shape the institutional landscape, enhancing First Nations practices in the arts and heritage sectors.
Donna curated several landmark exhibitions such as yapang marruma: making our way (2009), Lore & Order (2015-16), and The Lock-Ups’ miyarnuwimanha: NICOLE MONKS (2020), all of which provided a platform for Aboriginal people to express their stories and truths.
Among her many accomplishments, Donna worked with the Aboriginal Reference Group at the then Lake Macquarie Art Gallery to develop a First Nations framework aimed at ensuring ongoing consultation and governance processes. This framework, known as yapang (meaning “journey” or “pathway” in the Awabakal language), was so impactful that when the gallery later rebranded, it adopted the name MAC – Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, a name that reflects its commitment to the continued inclusion of Aboriginal voices and perspectives.
Donna’s commitment to empowering Aboriginal artists and cultural centres continued when she was commissioned by ACHAA and Museums and Galleries NSW to work on an exhibition that will bring together significant Aboriginal artists and cultural centres across the ACHAA member network. During development, Donna was able to meet with and connect with many of our members and associated artists and helped empower them in their own works and collections. This exhibition is intended to tour and be developed further, a final yapang in her memory.
The award was received by Donna’s family on the night, with the Aboriginal Culture, Heritage & Arts Association Chairperson, Aunty Jeanette Crew, paying tribute to Donna’s work at the Museums & Galleries of NSW IMAGinE Awards 2024 at the Paddington Town Hall.
“At every turn, Donna’s contributions to Aboriginal culture, heritage, and arts displayed a powerful commitment and ability to create spaces, further Aboriginal people’s voices, and share the truth and complexity of our history,” Aunty Jeanette said. “With respect, ACHAA honours her legacy with this award.”
Cover Image: Family of Donna Biles Fernando received the IMAGinE Award, presented by ACHAA Chairperson Jeanette Crew. Photo by Jacquie Manning, courtesy of Museums & Galleries of NSW.
