Vicki Couzens, Director of the Possum Skin Cloaks Project, describes the significance of the Cloaks and their role in Victorian Aboriginal Culture.

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TRANSCRIPT

The Possum Skin Cloaks are significant in the Opening Ceremonies. One because they’re so fabulous and they’re gorgeous and most importantly they represent our people and to show the continuing of our culture and that we’re still here, an’ I know that a lot of people are feeling really proud and strong about that and looking forward to showing the world “Hey, this is who we are, this is about our country, this is about our sprit, this is about our land, you know, and that we’re still here”. So they’re really, really important and really significant in that way.

The designs on the Possum Skin Cloaks tell the stories of people’s connection to country. It has their totem, their clan markings, sites, other things of significance and importance to that community and that tribe an’ that’s what tells the story on the Cloaks. There were local artists who were employed and they worked with the local community and traditional owners and all those people who wanted to be involved and then there were lead artists who would work within a region going around providing support and then Regional Arts Victoria project managed and I was the Artistic Director working with the lead artists and the local artists, so it’s involved a great lot of people and it’s been a great opportunity for communities to come together.

I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed in lots of ways and its been a very deep, moving and spiritual journey and a cultural journey. I just feel really honoured to have been part of that and be the vehicle to bring that about. I know that I’m being supported by my elders and community here and now but also I know I have the old people standing there beside me guiding me that’s truly very heart-warming and affirming for me. It been amazing, absolutely amazing.