Oration of the Chair of Indigenous Knowledges

Held in honour of Elder Annie Milgin, the oration featured esteemed speakers Professor Anne Poelina and Aunty Annie Milgin, whose presentation, titled “Old People Taught Me Many Many Things”, offered deep reflections on the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, law and cultural identity.

Professor Poelina, a citizen of the Nyikina Warrwa Nation and the Nulungu Chair of Indigenous Knowledges, is recognised nationally and internationally for her leadership in Indigenous science, environmental stewardship and cultural advocacy. Her oration paid tribute to the enduring intellectual and cultural contributions of Aunty Annie Milgin, a renowned author, artist, teacher and keeper of songlines.

The event was emceed by acclaimed author and researcher Associate Professor Stephen Kinnane and began with a Welcome to Country by Yawuru Elder Dianne Appleby, acknowledging the significance of Country and Eldership in framing the gathering.

Following the oration, attendees were invited to share in a community lunch, fostering opportunities for further dialogue and cultural exchange.

For those unable to attend in person, a full recording of the event will be made available online in the coming weeks through the Nulungu Research Institute’s website.

Now in its third year, the Oration of the Chair of Indigenous Knowledges is held annually on the first Friday in May to honour the birthday of the late Lucy (Ngarbal) Marshall AM. It is a key event in the Nulungu calendar, recognising the authority, research leadership and cultural knowledge of Kimberley Aboriginal people.

See the photo gallery here.

Watch the full recording below.