Gabi Briggs’ Urala embodies a rigorous exploration of Indigenous sovereignty within the historically significant context of Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. The installation’s strategic placement at Atherton Gardens public housing estate echoes the area’s evolution from tent settlements to a hub of Aboriginal activism and community-controlled organisations.

The inclusion of footage from the Forced Closure rallies is particularly significant, as it connects the historical struggles of Indigenous people in Fitzroy with contemporary activism against government policies threatening remote Aboriginal communities. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing nature of Indigenous resistance and the continuity of colonial power structures.

The prominent “SOVEREIGNTY” display serves as a powerful assertion of Indigenous rights, reflecting Gertrude Street’s legacy as the epicenter of Aboriginal Victoria’s urban heart since the 1920s. This area witnessed the establishment of crucial initiatives like the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (1973) and the Koori Club, embodying the street’s role in Indigenous empowerment and cross-cultural dialogue.

By incorporating multilingual subtitles, Briggs creates a dialogue between diverse communities, acknowledging the complex intersections of Indigenous and migrant experiences in contemporary urban settings. This approach challenges the dominance of English in Australian discourse and promotes a more inclusive understanding of sovereignty.