Katta Djinoong

Long Term Exhibition | Updated 9 years ago

THIS GALLERY HAS CLOSED AS WE PREPARE FOR THE NEW MUSEUM OF WA.

Museum staff and volunteers are busy packing all the objects in this gallery.

They will be protected at our Collections and Research Centre or displayed at our other sites while construction works take place.

Find out more about the New Museum for WA and explore our State collection online.

Katta Djinoong: First Peoples of Western Australia depicts the history and culture of the Aboriginal peoples of Western Australia from past to present.

Katta Djinoong is a Noongar term that means “see and understand us”. Many individuals, communities and organisations shared their stories, gave information, lent objects and approved photographs for inclusion in Katta Djinoong. The exhibition focuses on issues identified as important by Aboriginal people - family, land and continuity between traditional and contemporary life.

The exhibition examines traditional Aboriginal hunting and gathering lifestyles in the four major cultural regions of the State – South-West, Desert, North West and Kimberley.

It considers the impact of European settlement on people’s lives and social systems. It tackles contested histories including massacres, the inquiry into Deaths in Custody, the Stolen Generations, and progress towards reconciliation, including the origins of Sorry Day and Kevin Rudd’s historic Sorry speech.

Katta Djinoong also examines contemporary Aboriginal arts and crafts, and issues of ongoing importance from politics to success as sporting heroes.

Katta Djinoong: First Peoples of Western Australia provides an opportunity for the Aboriginal peoples of this state to share their stories and for visitors to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Western Australia’s Aboriginal’s peoples, their role in modern society, and their heritage and cultural values.

• WA Museum Boola Bardip