Fierce Girls
NAIDOC – Queenie McKenzie: the girl who became a living treasure
Jun 29, 2022
Queenie McKenzie, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, grew up on a cattle station, defying authorities. She later became an artist, using her paintings to preserve the stories of her Country. The podcast explores McKenzie's life, including her resourcefulness, saving a man's life, and advocating for education. It also highlights her artistic journey, where she became the first woman in her community to paint, gaining recognition as a cultural leader.
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Quick takeaways
- Queenie McKenzie resisted assimilation policies and fought to preserve her identity and connection to her land.
- Queenie McKenzie became the first woman in her community to paint, using natural materials from her surroundings, and her art became a powerful medium to tell the stories of her Country.
Deep dives
Queenie McKenzie's Struggle with Assimilation Policies
Queenie McKenzie, a girl with fair skin and curly hair, faced the threat of being taken away from her family due to assimilation policies. These policies allowed authorities to separate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, with the belief that they would be better off adopting white ways. However, Queenie strongly resisted leaving her land, her special place of connection and secrets. Despite being stuck between two worlds, she held onto her identity and fought against assimilation.
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