About the artist

A proud Bindjareb woman from the Nyungar Nation of the South West of WA, Valerie graduated from Curtin University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery in her mid-forties.

Valerie’s artwork title, Yorgas Barloonginy “Women Rising” was commissioned for the Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program which supports and mentors mature-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through their tertiary studies. The visual representation celebrates Aboriginal culture and the transfer and continuity of knowledge and wisdom between generations.

This powerful relationship is depicted in the use of circles and pathways which illustrate the various trails one might follow on their growth to discovery and the many positive influences they may encounter along the way.

Supported by the strength of the Wagyl (snake) which represents creation and life, Aboriginal women are reminded that their sense of belonging and deep cultural connection is their strongest guide as they embark on their journey to education.

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KIRRIKIN’s support

Curtin would like to acknowledge the generous support of Kirrikin, for reproducing Valerie’s artwork onto these beautiful silk scarves and donating them to the Moorditj Yorga Scholarship program.

By working together, we can advance our collective efforts to make this opportunity available to as many moorditj yorgas as possible.

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Curtin would like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Perth campus is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.