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Kutcha is a 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 19yrs 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.
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