Keith Wikmunea was born in 1967 in Aurukun. Wikmunea is from the Language group Wik-Alken (mother’s side) and Wik-Mungkan (father’s side). His totems are the White Cookatoo, Goanna from his father’s side and the Galah and Frilled-neck lizard from this mother’s side.
His country is Kencherang (father’s side) which is south from Aurukun. ere’s a large freshwater lagoon there. During the wet season the saltwater comes up the creek during the high tides.
“There is one large creek that comes into that country which splits out into my mother’s country called Ti-tree”.
When the freshwater breaks out in the wet season it joins with the creek at Kencherang and connects to the saltwater. Wikmunea belongs to the Apalech Clan from his father’s side. His mother’s side is the Winchanam Clan. As an artist, he is passionate about passing on his creative and cultural knowledge to future generations. His vision is for Wik and Kugu people to keep their culture strong and alive.
Wikmunea started his working career as a house painter for the Aurukun Shire Council. He has also been a member of the Aurukun Justice Group and has been working at the Wik & Kugu Arts Centre for the past two years.