Aboriginal Women Cross-Cultural Exchange Program
University of Southern Queensland
College for Indigenous Studies, Education, and Research
With Professor Lara Medina and Professor Yreina Cervantez (Department of Chicano and Chicana Studies, Cal State University Northridge, Northridge, CA)
Toowoomba, Australia
Professors Medina and Cervantez have been invited by the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, College for Indigenous Studies, Education, and Research to participate in a cross-cultural exchange with Aboriginal women. This exchange will explore the spiritual and healing aspects of art and ceremony as seen in Aboriginal/First Peoples culture and the Chicana/o celebrations of Dias de Los Muertos.
The invitation was initiated by Chicana writer/artist Alma Elena Cervantes, Associate Professor with the University of Southern Queensland. This collaborative project was inspired by her desire to share Chicana/o celebrations and art of the Day of the Dead with the Australian/Aboriginal Peoples as a way to open meaningful dialogue regarding our experiences, evolving traditions, and decolonizing practices.
In addition to lectures and presentations at the University and a community setting, the event will include two site-specific altares/ofrendas and a slideshow featuring Chicana/o, Latina/o works on the subject.