The Mungkarta community is celebrating 35 years since Traditional Owners took their country back in a Native Title Land Claim.

In commemoration of the 1988 Mungkarta Land Claim, the school and community gathered local artworks to display at Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre.

The project was organised by Mungkarta School Head Teacher Melanie Baldwin in collaboration with Traditional Owners Tristan Duggie, Desrina Duggie, Chrystaline Peterson, Charmaine Corbette and Jennifer Camphoo.

Ms Baldwin thanked Nyinkka Nyunyu for gifting the space for the exhibition, which will on show until March.

“This exhibition is a telling of local stories about local people,” she said.

“We are also hoping the works will jog people’s memories and share with us any photos from that special time so we can gather a history of the milestone moment.”

Mr Duggie officially launched the exhibition, with Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Liaison Officer Jimmy Frank conducting a Welcome to Country.

Member for Barkly Steve Edgington said the 35-year milestone was a big celebration for the people of Mungkarta – small but vibrant community making great progress with many positive things happening due to the work of the Duggie families.

Ms Baldwin thanked CatholicCare NT for organising a free barbecue for the exhibition launch.

See all the photos in the issue.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 27 January 2023.