BIOGRAPHY

Nyunmiti Susan Burton was born in Alice Springs in 1960 and grew up in Pukatja (Ernabella). After completing school at Yirara College in Alice Springs, she returned to Ernabella and began working at the arts and crafts centre.

In 1980, Nyunmiti moved to Amata and began working as an Aboriginal Education Worker. She trained as a teacher and completed her degree in 1997. Nyunmiti has extensive experience in community leadership and governance, including as Vice Chairperson of NPY Women’s Council, Director of APY Council and a member of Amata Community Council.

Nyunmiti is also a practising artist. She exhibited with Tjala Arts, serving as both Director and Chairperson. In 2020, she moved to Adelaide and began painting at the Collective Art Centre. She was integral to the formation of APY Art Centre Collective and has served as a Director and Anangu Manager, supporting and encouraging young Anangu artists.

Nyunmiti paints her country and the important stories found within, including the Seven Sister's Story. When she paints, Nyunmiti is remembering stories passed down to her from her father, mother and grandfather. She is thinking about how a long time ago they used to look after the country, there was plenty of food and families were happy travelling around from place to place.

"I heard these stories from my father, mother and grandfathers. When I paint, I think about the future of the country for the next generation." Nyunmiti Burton.