PBC - Staff Polo - Walking in the footsteps of our Elders

Walking in the Footsteps of our Elders- those who came before us who walked strong across Country, carrying stories, knowledge, and spirit through generations. Each path in the artwork represents a journey. The circular symbols show meeting places—places where Elders sat, shared yarns, passed down Law, language, and culture. The lines between them are the tracks we follow, guided by memory and connection. The dots and patterns are maps of knowledge, spirit lines, and echoes of songlines that still run strong through the land. They remind us that everything is connected: the rivers, the stars, the trees, and our own footprints.

In the centre of the work is the spirit of the matriarchs—strong Aboriginal women like my grandmothers, Barb and Phyllis, who taught me through their hands, their stories, and their strength. They showed me how to listen to Country, how to paint what I feel, and how to walk with pride in who I am. This piece is a tribute to them, and to all Elders past and present. It’s about honouring their footsteps, and knowing that as we walk forward, we carry their spirit with us.