by Bonnie Collings
A painting created by Kurnai artist Julie Griffiths was presented as a gift to members of the Lardil People of Mornington Island during the recent repatriation of 37 cultural items.
Titled "Return to Country: The Awakening", the painting depicts the journey of the sacred belongings, returning home after many decades away from country.
When the repatriation process for the artefacts began, West Gippsland Arts Centre arts and culture co-ordinator Melissa Forlano asked if Julie could create an artwork to send with the artefacts, as a gift from the Kurnai people to the Lardil people.
With a three-week time frame, Julie got to work designing the piece.

"I decided to do the two countries, Kurnai country and their country,