A bronze pelican is perched at Aunty Ruby’s feet right here. The Uncle Archie Roach AC AM and Aunty Ruby Hunter Statue stands as a testament to two remarkable individuals. Their music touched hearts. Their advocacy changed lives. Let’s delve into their story.
Uncle Archie Roach was Gunditjmara. Aunty Ruby Hunter was Ngarrindjeri. They were both survivors of the Stolen Generations. These were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families. They were placed with white families or in children’s homes.
Their shared experiences became powerful songs. These songs articulated the pain of the Stolen Generations. They communicated this trauma to non-Indigenous Australians and the world. The Uncle Archie Roach AC AM and Aunty Ruby Hunter Statue commemorates this profound impact.
The statues are located in Fitzroy’s Atherton Gardens. This place holds special significance. Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby once lived here. They raised their two sons Amos and Eban in the high rise flats. Fitzroy became a historical centre of activism for Aboriginal people. It was a place where Stolen Generation survivors found community.
These bronze figures were sculpted by Darien Pullen. The Archie Roach Foundation and family members informed the creative process. Pullen sought to capture their character and personalities. He posed them affectionately. Uncle Archie’s arm is around Aunty Ruby. She subtly leans in towards him.
Notice the details etched into the landscape. The path leading to the Uncle Archie Roach AC AM and Aunty Ruby Hunter Statue features footprints. These belong to their totem animals. They include the pelican, black swan, wedge tailed eagle and red bellied black snake. A bronze pelican sits at Aunty Ruby’s feet. A wedge tailed eagle adorns Uncle Archie’s waistcoat. He leans on a guitar adorned with Aboriginal flag colours. She holds a tambourine.
Uncle Archie’s song Took the Children Away became an anthem. It spoke to the experiences of many. It was added to the National Film and Sound Archive’s registry. Aunty Ruby’s 1994 album Thoughts Within was groundbreaking. It was the first solo album by a First Peoples female artist.
The Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation helped develop this memorial. They said the area holds significance. Many mobs found family and connection here. Uncle Archie Roach AC AM and Aunty Ruby Hunter are honoured here.
The Uncle Archie Roach AC AM and Aunty Ruby Hunter Statue serves as a reminder. It reminds us of their musical legacy. It reminds us of their contribution to Indigenous rights. It acknowledges their impact on Australia’s cultural landscape. It stands for love family and community. The Archie Roach Foundation continues this work. It supports First Peoples artists and young people. This place is for remembrance reflection and respect.