Traditional healing methods using bush medicines. It’s an ancient practice that has been used effectively by First Nations people for thousands of years.
It’s also been a source of fascination for many people seeking alternative ways to resolve common ailments. Now, they will be able to discover the power of bush medicines at the Medicinal Plants exhibition at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve during this year’s Horizon Festival, an initiative of the Sunshine Coast Council.
Artist Jennifer Kent will curate the exhibition, joining fellow artists Allan Kina, Jason Murphy, Enid Morris, Christopher Emerson and Shanno Riley, to honour the wisdom of Jinibara artists and knowledge holders regarding the use of medicinal plants.
Visitors will be invited to explore traditional healing and bush medicines through stories, artworks and interactive displays. Participants will learn how to apply natural remedies through plant identification, extraction and application procedures.
Jennifer also hopes the exhibition will be an opportunity to break down stereotypes and promote reconciliation in an increasingly divided Australia.
Growing up in Mount Isa, Jennifer comes from a melting pot of cultures, with First Nations ancestry on her father’s side and Irish, English and Chinese in her maternal lineage. “Having both sides of the family, I am able to understand all points of view,” she says.
“Holding the exhibition at the Mary Cairncross Reserve is special as it resides on my grandmother’s ancestral Djaara and I am a surviving descendant of the Jinibara [lawyer cane people],” she adds.
Describing herself as a “community activist in the ministry of reconciliation”, Jennifer comes from a long history of artists and song people, refining her skills as an artist while attending boarding school at Shalom Christian College in Townsville.
She credits her art teacher, Mr Mason, for inspiring her to pursue a career as an artist. “I was his favourite student and he even entrusted me with the keys to the art room to gain after-hours access,” she recalls.
Her great-grandmother, Katie Martin (nee Ross), is also a big influence. “She was a song woman, storyteller and knowledge holder. Her father was a skilled tracker born in Woodford and her mother was sent to Cherbourg mission after being forcibly removed from her Darumbal Country in Rockhampton. Granny Katie’s husband and my great-grandfather was Clive Martin, a Quandamooka initiate and human rights advocate.”
Growing up, using bush medicines to treat a wide range of ailments came naturally to Jennifer.
“Gidgee gum was a favourite and you could suck on it like a lolly. It would give you energy and help sore throats. I also always use eucalyptus rub because it can treat a variety of ailments.”
Jennifer says eucalyptus can be extracted in many ways. “My doonguy (father) told me that the tree produces the best when it flowers, so that’s when we would make a dent in the tree. It makes the tree bleed and when you come back the next day, there will be sap.”
Jennifer has put her experience in art and storytelling to good use. She created Manamana Dreaming, running programs in schools which use art as a form of reconciliation.
“It’s education through art, bringing communities together. Recently, we went to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Brisbane and painted a coolamon, a bowl used to carry water, fruit and nuts, but also a symbol of life’s journey. We’re also going to be doing a community mural there.”
Jennifer welcomes the opportunity to talk to teachers and students about cultural information and local history.
“For example, most people don’t know that Australia is the only Commonwealth nation without a treaty with its Indigenous people, and currently there are 57 countries in the Commonwealth,” she says.
Despite the adversity that she and other First Nations people have experienced, Jennifer is an optimist and a strong believer in improving understanding through education and events such as the Horizon Festival.
“Being a First Nations person is a rare privilege in this country and having a leadership role amongst young people has been one of my greatest joys. Just by being me, I’m able to break the strongholds of ideologies that have often been generated through second-hand ignorance.
“I think many people will be interested in the Jinibara exhibition as the traditions are very old and the knowledge shared will also benefit the greater community, especially regarding identifying plants in the area. I appreciate educating people about medicine because it empowers us. And I love that we can heal ourselves.
“Come and celebrate with us and maybe even enrich your home with a new artwork too,” she adds.