30 June 2004
One of Australia's newest National Living Treasures, Jimmy Little, will talk about his remarkable musical career — and his recent kidney transplant — to launch NAIDOC Week celebrations at the National Museum of Australia.
Jimmy will be joined in public conversation with journalist and actor Rhoda Roberts at the National Museum this Sunday, 4 July, which marks the beginning of NAIDOC Week.
The talk is the latest in the National Museum series, Celebrating Australians, and sets the scene for a week of indigenous performance, storytelling, film and dance.
'The National Museum's Gallery of First Australians remains one of our most popular galleries - and NAIDOC Week is a great chance for Australians to share this rich indigenous culture,' said program coordinator Denise Fowler.
The Museum's 4-11 July program includes:
- Stories of Indigenous Repatriation with Michael Pickering, the National Museum's Repatriation Director, on the return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remains.
- Indigenous Short Film Festival by filmmakers from across the world, for 18+
- Behind-the-scenes indigenous tours with curator David Kaus, leading visitors through the vast collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander objects not currently on display.
- Children's writing workshops with Northern Territory author Pilawuk, who will share her Dreaming stories and writing techniques.
- The Wombat Wobble Show, an interactive family presentation with Aboriginal storytelling, music and dancing, presented by Canberra theatre company, Shades of Brindle.
- Boomerang and clapstick making with Phillip Brown from Reconciliation Australia.
- Traditional storytelling with contrasting Aboriginal storytellers from Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, Ngangiwumerri-Ngangikurrungurr and Kabi Kabi country.
Jimmy Little's conversation with Rhoda Roberts takes place in the National Museum's SAS Visions Theatre from 2-3pm on Sunday, 4 July. Media are welcome.
For interviews, images or a full list of NAIDOC Week programs please contact Public Affairs Director Martin Portus on 02 6208 5351, 0409 916 481 or m.portus@nma.gov.au