Howard “Joe” Butler is a respected Elder of the Troupe–Knchee, born in 1961 and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. He now resides in Burnett Heads, Queensland, and maintains strong cultural ties to his ancestral Countries across Gladstone, Bundaberg, PCCC and Taroom.

​

A proud Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Gangulu-Iman First Nations man, Uncle Joe has dedicated more than 50 years to preserving and sharing culture through visual and performing arts. From a young age, he was immersed in traditional knowledge, guided by his mother, Audrey Butler - a matriarch whose legacy continues to inspire generations to embrace culture and revive Aboriginal traditions.

​

Uncle Joe is widely acknowledged for his deep connection to Country and his commitment to passing cultural knowledge to his descendants and community. His practice spans painting, carving, artefact making and printmaking, alongside acting, traditional dance and storytelling performances.

​

His commissioned works (1994–2024) include private, corporate, commercial and public art projects across Australia and internationally. He has collaborated with Indigenous artists globally through major cultural exchanges and international Indigenous art gatherings in Australia and New Zealand.

​

Uncle Joe holds a Certificate III in Traditional Cultural Arts and was Highly Commended at the 2021 Whitsunday Art Festival. He is Blue Card certified and continues to travel both nationally and internationally to share culture through art and performance.

Through every brushstroke, carving and performance, Uncle Joe carries forward the spirit of his ancestors - ensuring culture remains strong, visible and alive for future generations.