# About | Paperbark Arts & Cultural Tours

> Discover Paperbark Arts & Cultural Tours - sharing 60,000 years of living culture in Yarrabah, Queensland. Founded by award-winning Gungganji artist Elverina Johnson.

## About Paperbark Arts

Sharing 60,000 Years of Living Culture

## Connecting People Through Culture

- Paperbark Arts & Cultural Tours was born from a deep commitment to sharing and preserving First Nations culture. Based in the beautiful coastal community of Yarrabah, we offer authentic cultural experiences that connect visitors with 60,000 years of living history.
- Through guided bushwalks, creative workshops, and cultural storytelling, we invite you to walk in the footsteps of ancestors—learning traditional knowledge, experiencing the natural abundance of Gungganji country, and creating meaningful connections with our community.
- Every experience is designed to empower and celebrate Aboriginal culture while creating opportunities for local artists, guides, and community members. We believe that sharing our stories strengthens both our visitors and our community.

## Elverina Johnson

- The heart and soul behind Paperbark Arts is Elverina Johnson, a Gurugulu and Indinji Gimuy woman from Yarrabah. Her traditional family name, Bunya Badjil, means "Good Woman"—a name she embodies through her tireless work for her community.
- With creative talents spanning over 30 years as a singer, songwriter, playwright, actor, photographer, and visual artist, Elverina brings a wealth of experience and passion to every Paperbark experience.
- Her vision for Paperbark Arts is simple yet profound: to share the stories, beauty, and traditions of Gungganji country while creating pathways for community empowerment and cultural pride.

## Awards & Recognition

Elverina's dedication to cultural preservation has earned national and international recognition

- NAIDOC Artist of the Year
- Woman of the Year
- Rona Tranby Trust
- Smart Women Award
- UN Representative
- Rural Leadership

## Bold Prints, Bright Colours

- The art of Paperbark is synonymous with bold prints and bright colours. Each design takes inspiration from the beauty of nature and the rich history of Gungganji people.
- Elverina's designs have featured in collections at the 2021 Sydney Fashion Festival and the 2021 Brisbane Fashion Festival as part of the First Nations Show. In 2022, she launched a capsule collection with Australian retailer Taking Shape.
- Through the emerging Pink Fish brand, Paperbark Arts continues to expand its platform for Gungganji representation and storytelling while creating opportunities for other First Nations designers and artists.

## Elverina's philosophy

"The arts can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and restore a genuine sense of pride in their culture and communities."

## On-Site Art Gallery

- Visit the Paperbark Arts gallery featuring artwork from Elverina and local Yarrabah artists and craftspeople.
- The gallery showcases traditional and contemporary First Nations art, including woven baskets, painted canvases, bead jewelry, and handcrafted items.

## Ready to Experience 60,000 Years of Culture?

Book your cultural journey today and walk in the footsteps of ancestors on Gungganji country.

- [Book Your Experience](#contact)

Source page: https://paperbarkculturaltours.com.au/about.html