Unleashing the Hidden Strength of First Nations Women in Big hART’s Punkaliyarra Project

The Punkaliyarra project, led by Big hART, a non-profit arts and social change organization, is empowering First Nations women by fostering cultural exchange and leadership across Australia. Connecting women from diverse regions, including Roebourne and Yuin country, this initiative highlights their vital role in preserving tradition and driving community progress, emphasizing resilience and self-reliance.

Spanning thousands of kilometers, the Punkaliyarra project brings together First Nations women to share knowledge and strengthen cultural ties. Initiated by Big hART, the project focuses on what national creative producer Genevieve Dugard describes as the “hidden and radical power structures” within Aboriginal matriarchy. By facilitating exchanges, such as visits to Yuin country on the New South Wales (NSW) far south coast, it fosters collaboration and celebrates the leadership of Indigenous women. This grassroots effort underscores the importance of community-driven solutions over government led initiatives, which often fall short in addressing cultural needs.

Yindjibarndi woman Cherine Wally, a participant, emphasizes the project’s role in building courage and amplifying voices. “Punkaliyarra enables women to learn from each other and find the courage to talk up,” she says. This empowerment is critical, as it equips women to lead within their communities, preserving traditions while fostering innovation. The project’s co-creator, Michelle Adams, has been instrumental in shaping its vision, ensuring it remains rooted in authentic cultural exchange rather than bureaucratic oversight. By prioritizing lived experience, Punkaliyarra challenges conventional approaches to reconciliation, which can sometimes feel performative.

The initiative’s strength lies in its rejection of top-down control, instead championing the organic leadership of First Nations women. Genevieve Dugard argues that greater visibility and investment in these women could transform Australia’s path to reconciliation, creating a more just society. This aligns with values of self-determination and cultural pride, resonating with those skeptical of centralized government solutions. Punkaliyarra proves that real change comes from within communities, not from Canberra’s halls. By reigniting traditional pathways, the project not only preserves culture but also sets a bold example for how Australia can move forward through strength, unity, and the unapologetic leadership of First Nations women.