About William Walker Respecting Country

        

From birth I have been blessed with my Cultural Connectedness, growing up on the Rocky River with my Elders on Wahlubal Country (Bundjalung Nation) having knowledge and stories passed down. Painting and storytelling are the mediums I use to echo the wisdom of my Elders. Growing up on Country has deeply influenced my understanding of and connection to the land. I value the lessons learned from living on Country and acknowledge the richness and significance of my cultural heritage. My upbringing has instilled a profound appreciation for the land and its ability to sustain and nurture my community.

My artwork is focused around the Deep, Spiritual Connection my People and Ancestors have to the Land. I paint my Country, Wahlubal Country (Tabulam, far north NSW) underneath the Bundjalung Nation. Through my work, you Learn about the Animals that live on Wahlubal country, my totem, the bush tucker, the Rocky River and Animals from the River and surrounding ranges. You get a sense of what it was like back in the Dreamtime, how our Tribe lived Harmoniously with the Land and the Animals, Hunting and Gathering, Learning from the Elders, Looking after and Protecting the Animals the Land and Yabbah (Water), Sharing and Caring and showing Garamah (Respect) for Country. I hope my work will give people an understanding of the intricate systems that are in place and the Importance of Protecting and Preserving these systems. It’s vital that people Listen and Learn from the Original People of the Country that they are living on and start to understand the LORE of that Country. We have a Responsibility to share knowledge, Learn and Work together. We don’t own the Land, we Belong to it. Yoway!

William Walker – Wahlubal Tribe (one of fifteen plus Tribes that make up the Bundjalung Nation in Far North NSW)