In the summer of 2018, a group of Warlpiri women and their companions embarked on a treacherous journey to Mina Mina, a sacred site in the Great Sandy Desert of Australia. The expedition was led by Aunty Agnes, who had painted the place for decades but never set foot on her grandfather's Country, located in the jaws of Lake Mackay.
The route was perilous, with no roads and only open desert. The heat was extreme, water scarce, and the area was home to deadly snakes. Despite the dangers, the group set off from Lajamanu with a convoy of vehicles, including a Hilux and a Troopie. They carried supplies, but soon faced challenges: a shredded tyre, dwindling water, and navigational difficulties.
After a night camped in a ring of warding fires, the group decided to turn back due to water shortages and tyre issues. However, they were unexpectedly rescued by Alice, Teddy's skin-mother, who spotted their campfire and arrived with extra water and tyres. With her help, they reached Mina Mina by nightfall.
The landscape was striking: deep red sand, tall desert oaks, and three enormous salt lakes. The next morning, temperatures soared to 51°C. The group used salt from the lake to make electrolyte drinks, and despite flies and extreme heat, they held a ceremony on the salt shores. For Aunty Agnes, standing at Mina Mina was a moment of profound holiness, making all the hardships worthwhile.
