Queenie (or Mingmarriya) was born on the banks of the Ord River in the Kimberleys to an indigenous mother and white father at a time when children with mixed parentage were often removed by the Government and sent to an institution. In an effort to keep her safe her mother rubbed charcoal into her skin enabling Queenie to remain on the cattle station where she worked as a cook and gained a love and understanding of country. She is quoted as saying “Every rock, every hill, every water, I know that place backwards and forwards, up and down, inside out. It’s my country and I got names for every place”.
She displayed this feel for the land in her contemporary Indigenous art which remains among Australia’s most collectible with many artworks being autobiographical, and others depicting the violent colonial past.
McKenzie’s importance has been recognized by the government of Western Australia, which declared her as a “State Living Treasure” the year of her death.
#AtoZChallenge
Brizzy Mays Books and Bruschetta 
Amazing story of a survivor! I can’t imagine the fear her mother faced with the decision to hide Queenie in plain sight!
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I am ashamed to admit that there was a whole generation of aboriginal children that were taken from their families : the Stolen Generation. There remains a lot of pain and much healing is required.
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There are so many “pioneers” who have made such a difference in so many ways. Hopefully the world will continue to be a better, more loving and accepting place for people of all backgrounds. Thanks for sharing.
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I empathise with your wishes for a “better, more loving and accepting place”. I had thought that COVID had been a positive in this area……until Russia bumbled along.
Have a beaut day 🙂
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I think we are destined to stumble from one crisis to the next but hopefully will learn from each experience. Unfortunately people forget quickly and history is always written by the winners.
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