Artistic work created as part of a STEPS program in the North Burnett region of Queensland will assist to sustain the culture and traditions of the local Indigenous community.
A wide variety of art pieces, created by community members as part of STEPS Indigenous Dementia Awareness Program, were combined to form the Anukana Exhibition, hosted at the STEPS Gin Gin office.
The exhibition, which included art, sculpture, games, storytelling, song and dance, was opened by Elder Marina Anderson from the Wakka Wakka tribe. STEPS’ Dementia Awareness Program started in July last year, seeking to spread awareness of the condition, and to motivate individuals to maintain a healthy mind through various preventative measures.
Through the course of the Program it became apparent that a lot of important traditions and recollections were at risk of being lost due to the affects of dementia on the indigenous population. In an ironic twist, a program assisting people struggling with memory loss will ensure generations to come will not forget their forebears’ culture.
STEPS Community Awareness Campaign Officer, Brendon Searle, said that the artwork emerged from fortnightly activities that were designed to stimulate the minds of participants and inspire ‘reminiscence’. “STEPS thanks all our participants who have contributed to the program over the past few months, and our priceless volunteers for their valuable assistance.”
