The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) was saddened to hear of the passing of Kerry Reed-Gilbert on the 13th of July, 2019. Kerry, a Wiradjuri elder and award winning author, was always committed to the rights, recognition and self-determination of Indigenous Australians.
AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie said Kerry was a long-time friend of the Institute who touched many with her writing and advocacy.
“Kerry was a trailblazing author who strengthened the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through her writing, mentoring and activism. On behalf of AIATSIS, I extend our deepest condolences to Kerry’s family and friends,” Mr Ritchie said.
Photo courtesy of Kerry Reed-Gilbert's family.
Photo courtesy of Kerry Reed-Gilbert's family.
“The Reed-Gilbert collection at AIATSIS is rich with her publications and recordings, as well as personal collections she donated. We will proudly care for all of these items and make sure her legacy lives on for future generations.”
Ms Reed-Gilbert's writing has been published in numerous books, catalogues and magazines around the world. Many of her works have been translated in to other languages.
Ms Reed-Gilbert began concentrating on her writing in 1991 and first performed her poetry in 1993 at the 'Black Women's Voices in the Park' series at Harold Park, Sydney. She had many highlights in her career including poetry tours to South Africa and New Zealand, and a range of awards including, ‘Outstanding Achievement in Poetry’ from the International Society of Poets and a ‘Poet of Merit’ (Kuracca White Cockatoo website, 2007).
In 2012, Ms Reed-Gilbert was elected as the Chairperson for The First Nations Australia Writers Network an organisation that promotes development, promotion and sustainability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature. She was a foundation member and Chair of First Nations Australia Writer's Network (FNAWN ) and UsMob Writing, an ACT-based group of First Nations Australians peoples’.
The Reed-Gilbert collection includes her collection of Aboriginal decorative domestic items, which was recently on display in the AIATSIS Reading Room. The display will be replaced with a tribute to her significant contribution to the arts and promoting understanding of culture.