New School Mural

The Aboriginal flag in the middle is a fireplace. In the corners are two stories. Paths lead to the flag, representing people arriving into our Country, welcomed with an acknowledgement of Country in both English and Arrernte. This mural tells a story to students and parents walking by.

The stories in the corners of the mural are about the responsibilities we used to have. On the top left, men are hunting in the bush so their family can have food. The women in the bottom right corner are also looking for food and finding sticks for the fireplace. One woman is breastfeeding a baby. These stories tell us that everyone has responsibilities, towards their families, towards the school.

My design was inspired by the mural at Centralian Senior College. My Arrernte teachers asked us to draw something like that, and I’m proud that now my design has been painted on the front of CMS. I am Aboriginal, I was born in Mparntwe (Arrernte Country) and I am very grateful that I could create an art piece like this to show and tell generations about who we are.

Nathan Franks-Watts, 8.3