Kutcha Edwards
Kutcha Edwards
is a 36 year old Mutti Mutti man, born in Balranald, New South Wales,
Australia. He was 'stolen' at 18 months and denied his birthrite to grow
with his family, to experience his culture and to live his identity. As
a teenager he was reunited with his family and so his journey began to
retrieve his identity and reclaim what was denied him, his family and
his community.
Throughout his youth Kutcha looked for opportunities to be informed about
his history and involved in his community. Being a keen sportsman Kutcha
quickly became a valued member of the Fitzroy Stars Football Club and
was selected for the Victorian 'All Stars' at the age of 18. His sense
of community was heightened as another pathway presented itself to him
through Koorie Kollij. Here he was encouraged to explore and value Aboriginality,to
learn about Aboriginal studies, Black history, the Arts, health issues,
and self-determination through community control.
For the last 15yrs Kutcha has worked in the community at various organisations
in Melbourne such as the Aboriginal Community Elders Services (ACES),
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Fitzroy Stars Youth Club Gymnasium
and the Koorie Open Door Education school at Glenroy. During this period
Kutcha developed a strong interest in working with Koori youth. The key
issues that motivates his work is to empower youth with a strong sense
of self worth, self expression, self belief and self determination.
Kutcha has developed his community work through education, health, art,
culture and politics.Music became his voice to express community stories
and his own songline. In recent years Kutcha has experienced personal
success through his music. For many years he was the lead singer in Blackfire
and has since formed Kutcha Edwards and Band. He has traveled to China,
Mexico and Japan. His motivation is simple...to heal the spirit, strengthen
community and family. What Kutcha shares with his people is a connection,
a belonging. It is his gift that in his own journey of healing he is able
to help heal others.
