"The fist references the Black Lives Matter movement and also represents the strength of Indigenous peoples all over the world and symbolises solidarity and justice for everyone affected by systematic racism. Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) is flying high on the building. He is the creator spirit for Wurundjeri people who looks over us and protects us. Bunjil represents healing and power to our people. The blue circles and lines represent revival and waterways; in particular, they depict the Birrarung (Yarra River), which is very significant for the Wurundjeri people. Our people are known as the Manna Gum people. The leaves in the artwork highlight Wurundjeri people and their Country. These leaves also represent the cleansing of negative spirits. The Manna Gum leaf is also an important symbolic offering in our traditional Welcome to Country ceremony. Leaves are offered to visitors as they are granted safe passage through our land. They are made welcome to everything from the tops of the trees to the roots of the earth. We ask that they take care of the land, plants and animals and to respect the protocols and rules of the Traditional Owners whilst on our Country."In 2020 Council declared its support for the global Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In consultation with Yarra City Council's Yana Ngargna advisory group a motion was prepared and passed unanimously by all Councillors. A number of actions were generated from this decision; one of which was for Council to commission a large-scale mural that aligned with the movement. Emerging artist Ky-ya Nicholson-Ward, a proud Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Nguarai Illam-Wurrung, German and Irish woman, created the mural installed on a building in Peel Street Park, Collingwood. Selected by Council's Yana Ngargna, Black Lives Matter Working Group the artwork identifies the cultural importance of the local area to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners. With a strong focus on Aboriginal identity the mural outlines the local context of the Black Lives Matter movement, which is connected to racism, policing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and associated deaths in custody. The artwork acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal community members and their struggle to survive white systems, policies and institutions. Ky-ya's mural tells the story of Aboriginal resilience, strength and self-determination; and will support the process of healing. It is a celebration of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community; the significant Aboriginal history of Fitzroy, Collingwood and surrounds; and community's continuing cultural connection to the area. Importantly, this artwork provides a platform to educate a broader audience about the local context of the Black Lives Matter movement and Aboriginal deaths in custody. The mural will activate this site, enliven the area, promote inclusion, incite conversation and contribute to the creative capital of this locale. A welcoming environment for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.Aboriginal Lives Matter Ky-ya Nicholson WardOn a black background a hand fist (strength, solidarity and justice) is placed at the centre of the building; Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) is depicted flying high on the building; blue circles and lines represent revival and waterways (Birrarung-Yarra River) and the leaves in the artwork highlight Wurundjeri people (cleansing of spirit and welcome to Country)The artist name 'Ky-ya Nicholson Ward' painted in white, low right of the wall facing into Peel Street Park. black lives matter (blm) movement, wurundjeri woi wurrung, bunjil, identity, birrarung, country