Inclusive Futures: Celebrating Cultural Wisdom and FASD Innovations with Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Cultural Steward and Research Advisor

Aunty Lauraine Barlow presents the FASD team with a very special painting 'ngabi wugu gabar' (many working arms). Pictured L-R: Prof. Dianne Shanley, Dr. Erinn Hawkins, Dr. Wei Liu, Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Dr. Leda Barnett and Prof. Elizabeth Kendall.

This week, the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability team welcomed Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Cultural Steward and Research Advisor to an afternoon tea in her honour, along with the amazing team of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) researchers, led by Professor Dianne Shanley.

The team, including Prof. Elizabeth Kendal, Director of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, together with Prof. Dianne Shanley, Dr. Leda Barnett, Dr. Wei Liu and Dr. Erinn Hawkins had a lovely afternoon with Aunty Lauraine, who presented us with a very special painting that represents inclusive futures.

The FASD team have been working on a groundbreaking, no barriers new healthcare model – The Yapatjarrathati Projects. Find out more here: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/impact/yapatjarrathati-projects

Artist and Cultural Steward Aunty Lauraine Barlow

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Aunty Lauraine Barlow is a descendant of Mandingalpa Clan, Yidiny tribe and Rimanggudinhma Clan, Lama Lama tribe in North Queensland. Her Aboriginal name is Jana-n Mandingalbay / Jigiddirri Jigiddirri, which means “standout willy wagtail”. Recently, she was honoured with a third name, Buligud, which means Grandmother.

Aunty Lauraine has experience of chronic illness and disability both personally and in her family members. She has always participated in research, but as more than a ‘subject’ of research. She is a community researcher who takes control of the way in which research is conducted so it remains respectful of her people and the land of her ancestors.

She promotes the use of art as a medium for sharing healing stories. She is a healer herself, and has completed her qualifications as a Health Worker, a telephone counsellor, a community health promotion consultant and peer leader of self-management courses. She has helped hundreds of Indigenous women with illnesses and disabilities to regain their strength and culture.

Aunty Lauraine has a long history with Griffith University, having first advised on a research project in 2003. Since that time, she has continued to support research projects and ensure that proper protocols are followed.

Pictured L-R: Prof. Dr. Leda Barnett, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall, Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Dianne Shanley, Dr. Erinn Hawkins, and Dr. Wei Liu.

ARTIST STATEMENT

ngabi wugu gabar (Many working arms)

Pronounced ngaa-bee woo-goo kubb-a from Yidinji Language

This painting represents the research at Griffith Inclusive Futures and was painted to celebrate the commitment of the program to improving the lives of First Nations (and all Australian) people with disability.

The four handprints mean ownership by energetic, clever and confident individuals with leadership skills who are dedicated to advancing knowledge. They signify story telling, gathering of stories and keeping them safe.

The Ocyopus has eight arms that symbolise movement and pathways of energy.

Each Octopus arm works independently of each other but also together. All researchers are walking and journeying together on the one path.

The circles each consist of seven women and men all sitting together to reach positive solutions. They are great communicators, laying down weapons and sharing work tools. The circles represent the completeness that is reached through collaboration and agreement.

The footprints travel in an anti-clockwise direction which means a place for rethinking, re-working ideas, revisiting, and recycling solutions.

The octopus is an intelligent being that shines in all forms of thoughts, ideas, and dreams. It denotes authority, self-confidence, inner-strength, inner wisdom, and social status.

The Octopus is a positive thinker, sincere, understanding, and spiritual. It has three hearts (all 3 are used for swimming but only 2 used for walking) meaning the Octopus has great love for humanity and desire for peace.

The red tracks with white corals and foam represent the impact the Octopus has as it swims and walks around in the ocean. It leaves a foamy trail, especially when swimming fast.

The single red mark is a mermaid’s purse which represents deep waters. Deep waters that are not yet fully understood attract the attention of this inquisitive being.

Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Director - Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability) and Aunty Lauraine Barlow (Cultural Steward and Research Advisor.

CONTACT

Aunty Lauraine J. Barlow JP (Qual)
Jana-n Mandingalbay / Jigiddirri Jigiddirri Bulugud

Elder, Aboriginal Steward and Knowledge Bearer
Cultural Weaver, Story and Cultural Space Feeler

+61 0488 121 686 | gnullbin@yahoo.com.au

or email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au