Featuring a strong, Aboriginal warrior woman at the centre, the artwork was chosen for this year’s NAIDOC Week Committee shirts.

With skills and knowledge passed down from her father and sister, Vicky has been an artist all her life.

“Because of this year’s theme I put a strong Aboriginal woman in the centre; she’s a warrior. She has her digging sticks and dillybag.”

Surrounding the strong woman is a journey symbol and meeting place with story lines to represent the many roles Aboriginal women play.

“Aboriginal women in our culture are the knowledge holders, carers, teachers and they raise the kids until the men take them for men’s business,” she said.

“Women teach the stories to the children so they know what the law is from a women’s perspective. Aboriginal women have to be strong, they go through a lot.” 

The eye-catching masterpiece signifies the importance of Aboriginal women and Vicky has dedicated the piece to her niece, Talinta Whittaker, who was a “very strong Aboriginal woman”.

Vicky said NAIDOC Week was a chance to celebrate culture, keep it alive, teach others and to recognise Indigenous Australians.

SEE MORE: Youth urged to get creative for NAIDOC Week in Inverell

Vicky has a long history in Aboriginal art, designing logos for companies, hosting exhibitions, selling artwork and inspiring future generations to pick up the paint brush for more than 20 years.

As a strong, Aboriginal woman herself, Vicky is one of three ladies who’ve been made the first official female Aboriginal cultural site officers.

Through Aboriginal Cultural Site Services, Vicky, Diane Marlow and Samantha Duncan have been working on an artbook for NAIDOC Week 2019 to be put in schools.

“It will indicate Aboriginal pictures of animals and include the language that goes with those animals.”

If you would like to purchase an Inverell NAIDOC Week shirt, contact James Sheather at Armajun Aboriginal Health Service on 6721 9777.