Mia Mias

WELLINGTON SQUARE

“In the old times our Mia’s (homes) were what comforted, sheltered and protected our families from the elements, they were methodically made by us from the branches of trees and other natural materials that were gathered wherever we made our camps. They were replenished regularly and new coverings such as Wunnang leaves (Peppermint tree), Balga fronds (Grass tree) or paperbark were used depending on the season. For our people they represented home and, the removal of our Mia’s in the decades after colonisation was the beginning of the decimation of our people, our families, our communities, our culture and our rights as a people. 

This work will be a series of what appears to be abandoned or disused dwellings that have, over time, fallen into a state of disrepair that will symbolise the breaking down of the family, our community and our culture after the children were forcibly removed from the camp. The empty Mia’s will be a poignant reminder of how devastating it was for those who had their children stolen and more importantly for those of us who were removed. 

In the central hub of the Mia’s there will be an illuminated ‘home-fire’ element that will feature the male and female feathers of the Kaarak (Red Tailed black Cockatoo). This will be a way of remembering and paying respects to all of the mothers and fathers who have had their children removed over the past 200 years.”

Sandra Hill

The Stolen Generation Memorial (Mia Mias) was a deeply personal work for Sandra for whom the Stolen Generation included herself and many of her family members. Big Spoon Art Services worked with Sandra through all stages of the process, from concept design to installation. We are proud to have assisted Sandra to produce a work that will stand as a symbolic beacon that will “light the way home for those who haven’t been able to find their way back to their families, their communities and their culture.”