Francine Ngardarb Riches I am a descendant of the Bardi, Djawi and Kurrajari tribe from the West Kimberly region. My artworks depict stories that were handed down to me by my family and their families before them. Francine has been practising artwork for over twenty years, and has won numerous art awards, including state government awards in public art. She has been shortlisted for Premier’s book awards for children’s books. As well as solo exhibitions, she has participated in group exhibitions and sold works in Australia and overseas. Francine also participates in cross cultural consultation and artist in residency programmes. “As well as paintings on canvas, I create public art sculptures, illustrate children’s books and participate in cross cultural training. I am inspired by the creator of all things – The Lord Jesus Christ,” Francine said. Federal Member for Cowan, Mr Luke Simpkins officially unveiled the College’s 2008 Art Purchase, painted by Artist In Residence, Mrs Francine Riches and entitled ‘My Story, My People.’ Explanation of Indigenous Painting “My Story, My People” Most of my family were born on the island during this time. In 1962 two years before I was born, the mission closed down due to various reasons and most of the people were moved to the nearest towns. This is where my story begins on this painting: Life on the island was going well and people were still free to move about and live off the land. Bush foods were plentiful; the sea produced most of our food, consisting of turtles, dugongs, fish and many kinds of other sea foods. The island was full of berries, roots, sea bird eggs and much more. The people had songs and dances at night. As I said before, when the mission closed down the people had to move out. The tracks on the painting represent this journey through the whirl pools and strong currents, passing many small islands on the way. Most of the Bardi & Njawi people relocated to Derby, which is surrounded by mud flats, this is also represented on the painting. Living in another place was very hard for the Bardi & Njawi people, soon the influences of town life started to take its toll. The old people started to get discouraged and longed to go back home. Many of the Bardi & Njawi people had a strong faith in the Lord, and continually prayed that someone would take them back to the island again. Their prayers were answered when one of the former missionaries came to visit them at Derby and was later able to move the people back to their homeland. I was also in the picture then and went back with my parents to Sunday Island.