WILLIAM BARAK
William Barak, was a member of the Wurundjeri clan of the Woiworung people in the area of Melbourne now known as Croydon. Originally known as Beruk Barak he adopted the name William after joining the Native Police as a 19 year old.
Barak was held in high regard as an artist and many of his works are held in Victoria’s cultural institutions. His art showed the complexity and importance of his peoples' cultural and spiritual life. Barak also combined traditional Indigenous materials with European techniques and paints. Barak used his paintings to teach and lead his people, passing on Aboriginal history and customs.
From the late 1870s he became a leading spokesman for his people and was an important negotiator between his people and the government. He was a prominent figure in the struggle for Indigenous rights and justice.
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