TUGGERANONG Community Arts has been busy for months working on “Footprints on Our Land”, a documentary film centred on Ngunnawal elder Aunty Agnes Shea.

Made in collaboration with emerging indigenous filmmaker Nevanka McKeon, local cinematographers, Shea’s family and the ACT indigenous community, the film portrays Aunty Agnes, now aged 84, as a survivor, warrior and advocate for her people, who tirelessly performs welcome-to-country ceremonies across Canberra almost every day.

She is a major figure in the Reconciliation movement in the ACT, a member of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council and a co-founder of the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, to open this year.

Ranging from her life as a girl on Oak Hill and Hollywood missions in Yass to the present day, the film captures Aunty Agnes’ life as a survivor of racism, a mother and grandmother and a stalwart of her community.

Producer Pat Fiske, of Bower Bird Films, says she was instantly impressed with Aunty Agnes’ story.

“Despite the difficulties of her early life she is accepting, gracious and calm,” Fiske says.

“There is absolutely no bitterness there, she’s an inspiration for all.”

Tuggeranong Arts Centre produced the 38-minute film to recognise and celebrate indigenous culture in the ACT and particularly in Tuggeranong, where Aunty Agnes lives and where the Healing Farm will open this year.  

A free public screening of “Footprints on Our Land”, Tuggeranong Arts Centre theatre, 7pm, on Friday, July 29. Free, but bookings essential to 6293 1443.