Assembly thanks Ngunnawal women for gift of possum skin cloak

Joy Burch MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Media Release

Friday 10 May 2019

Possum-skin cloak made by Ngunnawal women

Today, in a significant act of Reconciliation a possum-skin cloak has been presented to the Legislative Assembly by the Ngunnawal People.

“The gift is a significant act of generosity and will be on permanent display outside the entry to the Assembly chamber, this prominent position reflecting its importance as a symbol of reconciliation and respect between the Ngunnawal People, the Assembly, and the wider ACT community,” Speaker of the Legislative Assembly,
Ms Burch said.

Traditionally, possum-skin cloaks were an everyday item for Aboriginal people. Starting as a single skin to wrap a newborn baby and added to over time, they were illustrated with stories of the life, clan and country of their owner. Following white settlement (and the introduction of woollen blankets), the tradition of making cloaks was largely discontinued. There are now only a small number of cloaks in existence, although their traditional significance endures.

The cloak presented to the Assembly was made by a group of Ngunnawal women, led by Elder Tina Brown. Together, the 16 Ngunnawal women who were involved in the creation the cloak have burned their stories into the possum skin:

Elders

Agnes Shea, Loretta Halloran (Bell), Lillian Bell, Roslyn Brown, Matilda House, Louise Brown, Tina Brown, Glenda Merritt, Wendy Brown, Catherine Kindleysides, Susan Barry, Caroline Hughes, Annette Shea

Strong Ngunnawal women

Laurie McDonald, Katrina Penfold, Justine Brown-Bamblet

Following the ceremonial sitting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Legislative Assembly, Members and invited guests will attend a Welcome to Country, and smoking ceremony, before the official unveiling of the cloak.

Members of the public are invited to view the cloak, which is on permanent display in the foyer of the Assembly Building, Monday to Friday 8:30-5:30.

ENDS