A̱baya

When I became a parent I couldn’t find a word that felt completely right. Being a non binary parent felt a lot like this. Alone in the woods, surrounded by words that don’t always match who I am on the inside. Although words are often forced on to me, like the Western Red Cedar I stand tall and don’t let those words define who I am as a parent. Today my son calls me A̱baya, which is a rarely used word for mother in our language. It’s not perfect, because there is no genderless word for parent in Kwak’wala, but being less used there are less stereotypes attached to what I’m supposed to be.

A4 with border on 300 GSM 100% cotton Arches Paper (print itself is A5)

Print will be Shipped after or available for collection at the Meanjin Art Showcase (September 20th 2026).

Frame is not available for international shipping (to prevent breakage) but postage is included in the price. Express post available for additional cost.