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Join us on the journey to help bring about a reconciled Victoria – read all the latest news and event information from across the state here.

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September eNews


Cabbe melemung’il (Woi wurung greeting)

At last month’s well-attended Local Reconciliation Groups Forum, we were privileged to hear from Dr Muriel Bamblett, CEO of VACCA, who spoke with optimism and excitement (and a degree of surprise) about the seriousness of the commitment of the Victorian Government to Self Determination and to negotiating a Treaty.  She also acknowledged, and warmly expressed her appreciation of the work of our local group network, encouraging the movement to remind our politicians that there is widespread community support for a Treaty, and to be prepared to bust the myths that opponents may throw up as the process gains momentum.

At another forum later in the month, Yorta Yorta man and senior Victorian Public Servant, Ian Hamm also acknowledged the reconciliation movement’s work, attributing its success to the fact that it is a grassroots movement.  He also lamented the lack of political leadership at a national level, fearing that the reconciliation process is in danger of stalling.

This same concern was on show on the first day of Federal Parliament, when national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership organisations delivered a strong message to Prime Minister Turnbull, his government and the Parliament: the relationship with the First Peoples of this nation must be reset.

In the light of a spate of well-publicised racist incidents and a new push to water down the Racial Discrimination Act, it is clear that the reconciliation movement has, more than ever, an important role to play in our national conversation.

~ The RecVic team

NEWS

The week of the 15-21 August marked the 50th anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-off, a defining moment in the struggle for Aboriginal land rights. In August 1966, 200 Aboriginal workers walked off the Wave Hill cattle station in the Northern Territory, protesting against poor working conditions and unpaid wages.

The protesters, led by Gurindji man Vincent Lingiari, also claimed ownership over their traditional land. On 15 August, 1975, after almost a decade of campaigning by Vincent Lingiari and others, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam transferred leasehold title of the land to the Gurindji, pouring a handful of soil through Vincent Lingiari's hands. The Walk-off and strike became one of the first events to attract wide public support for Indigenous land rights in Australia and is recognised as a landmark achievement in the Land Rights movement.

To commemorate the events, a Freedom Day Festival took place at Kalkaringi in the Northern Territory on the site of the Walk-off. Find out more

The anniversary has moved a number of commentators, such as academic Jon Altman and Ian Viner AO QC (Aboriginal Affairs Minister 1975-78), to voice their concerns about the gradual dismantling of the Land Rights Act that was precipitated by the Walk Off.  Read more

Renaming Mount Eccles to Budj Bim


Parks Victoria is seeking public comment on the proposal to rename Mount Eccles National Park to Budj Bim National Park and rename the peak Mount Eccles to Budj Bim. The park is co-managed by Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria.  

Strong community support for the restoration of the traditional park name was provided during South West Management planning. The Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and Budj Bim Council support renaming both the peak and the park Budj Bim, to recognise 30,000 years of rich cultural human heritage. Find out more

Have your say!

Complete the survey

Comments are open until 5 September 2016 and can be submitted online at www.parks.vic.gov.au/budjbim via email toparkplan@parks.vic.gov.au or post to Manager Park Planning, Parks Victoria, Level 10, 535 Bourke St, Melbourne Vic 3000.

Indigenous stories, songs and dance protected under new Victorian law


Under new Aboriginal heritage laws that came into force on 1 August, 'intangible’ assets can now be added to the Aboriginal heritage register. This can include any cultural knowledge that is not widely known to the public, including oral traditions, performing arts, stories, rituals, festivals, social practices, craft, visual arts and environmental and ecological knowledge.

The intention of the new laws is to protect heritage that is not adequately protected under existing intellectual property, copyright or patent laws, and to give Victoria’s First Peoples more control over their cultural heritage. Read more

Photo: The Je Be Weng Dancers, Geelong.

August Local Groups Forum

 
On Saturday 13th August ANTaR Victoria hosted a Local Reconciliation Groups Forum at the Father Tucker Centre in Fitzroy. The forum was an opportunity for local group members from across Victoria to gather and discuss past, present and future practices that look to furthering our collective cause for a reconciled nation.

Over 30 people, representing 14 of the local groups attended the forum, the highlight of which was a presentation by Professor Muriel Bamblett, CEO of VACCA.

Download the notes from the forum here

City of Yarra Stolen Generations Marker Project


The City of Yarra is inviting Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with links to Victoria to develop a creative outdoor work to commemorate the Stolen Generations and their families.
 
If you are an artist or know of any artists that would be interested please visit the City of Yarra website

Closing date: 26 September 2016.

Local campaign to rename Federal electorate of McMillan


A local campaign, being driven by the Bass Coast/South Gippsland Reconciliation Group and the local Aboriginal community, to rename the Federal electorate of McMillan is gaining momentum. Last month Latrobe City Council joined the South Gippsland Shire Council in publicly supporting a name change.

The proponents of the change believe that the use of the name “McMillan” for a federal electorate is inappropriate given his involvement in the massacres of Aboriginal people in Gippsland. A petition to the Australian Electoral Commission has been started to support the campaign. Sign here
Entry forms/information: Liz Gallois, PPCfR. Phone 9507 5567
egallois@optusnet.com.au, or visit ppcfr.org.au

Constitutional Recognition and Treaty Update

The Victorian Government has established an Interim Treaty Working Group to consult Aboriginal people in Victoria and advise the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on the development of treaty and a broader self-determination agenda.

The Group will provide advice on the process and timing for treaty, guidance on community engagement and examine options for a permanent Victorian Aboriginal representative body. For more information on the Treaty Interim Working Group read the Terms of Reference on Aboriginal Victoria's webpage.

The Working Group will report back at the next state-wide forum in Melbourne in early December, at which Aboriginal Victorians will meet to discuss the Group’s work, the outcomes of community led consultations and the next steps for the Victorian Government.

Constitutional Recognition: The Referendum Council will be holding nation-wide Aboriginal community consultations over the next few months. The Council recently released a communique indicating that a 2017 referendum was unrealistic due to the need for more consultation and that 2018 was more realistic. It will provide an interim report to the PM and Leader of the Opposition on 8 Sept and a final report next year.

Why 'recognition' of Indigenous Australians isn't enough Australia is crawling toward recognising the nation's first people in the constitution, but even if it makes it, will the country have achieved anything meaningful? Waleed Aly, Scott Stephens and Megan Davis explain why the concept of 'recognition' in fact skips over 40,000 years of history.  The Minefield, ABC RN, 11 August.

Keep up-to-date with the conversation via our website and Facebook page.

EVENTS

The 2106 Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival is excited to present author Tony Birch in conversation with writer and journalist Paul Bateman.

Tony is the author of Shadowboxing, Father's Day, The Promise, Blood and his latest novel Ghost River, published in October 2015. He is currently the inaugural Bruce McGuinness Research Fellow within the Moondani Balluk Centre at Victoria University.

The Granary Café, 2 Devonshire Road, Sunshine
Dinner (optional) at 6.30pm
Talk 7 - 8pm 

Free event, but bookings are essential.
Please ring the granary Café directly on 9310 1008.


Bruce Pascoe - Author Talk

Bruce Pascoe is a Bunurong, Tasmanian and Yuin man who grew up on a remote island in Bass Strait.  A prolific writer and the author of more than 20 books, Bruce’s most recent non-fiction book Dark Emu won the Book of the Year and Indigenous Writer’s Prize in the 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. 

Sunday 4 September, 2 - 3.15pm
St Albans Library
71A Alfrieda Street, St Albans
Bookings essential - book here


Storytime in the park with Western Creation

Listen to traditional dreamtime storytelling with members of the Noongar tribe and Bibbulman clan, surrounded by the trees of Lagoon Reserve. In case of wet weather, session will be held at Keilor Village Library. 

Sunday 11 September, 1-2pm
Lagoon Reserve
Old Calder Highway, Keilor
No bookings required

See the full festival program

Tash and her dad are going home to country were the sky is higher and the world goes on forever. It’s a long way from the wide streets and big old houses of Tash’s childhood. Dad still thinks he’s the king of cool, but he’s an old fella now. It’s time for Tash to take him home.

Cast Katie Beckett, Tony Briggs
Writer Katie Beckett
Director Rachael Maza

24 August – 3 September at 8pm – Sundays at 5pm
West Wing Studio 1, Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote
$35. Concession $27
Tickets and info
Bangarra brings you a remarkable triple bill  â€“ a new contemporary dance work showcasing the endless choreographic talents of the company and the infinite stories of Australia’s cultural heritage.

Thursday 1 – Saturday 10 September

Arts Centre, Melbourne

Thursday 1 – Saturday 3 September – 8pm
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 September – 8pm
Saturday 3 and Saturday 10 September – 2pm

Artistic director Stephen Page tells the story of internationally acclaimed visual artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu (pictured) from North East Arnhem Land. This piece draws inspiration from her incredible life story and paintings.
 
Daniel Riley and Beau Dean Riley Smith create Miyagan, a poignant dance story mapping their cultural heritage in a discovery of their family background on Wiradjuri country in New South Wales. The dancers’ artistry, athleticism and authenticity drive the company’s reputation as one of Australia’s most loved ensembles. Join them in 2016 as they pass their message stick on to you.

Macq by Jasmin Sheppard (pictured) was first performed in 2013 during Dance Clan 3, and is now brought to the main stage, exploring the 1816 March of Macquarie – a historical chapter that decimated Sydney’s Aboriginal community.
This 2016 national tour is a dedication to David Page.
Bookings and info  
Wyndham Art Gallery presents RACE – an extended program of events that unpack, unmask and explore issues around race and what it means. 

Wednesday 6 July – Sunday 4 September


Wyndham is one of the most diverse communities in Victoria. Inspired by this diversity, Wyndham Art Gallery will provide a platform for artists to share their diverse voices, perspectives, insights and knowledge. Through exhibitions, film, public discussions and performance, this program aims to break down the barriers and stigma that can surround this topic, and lead the way towards a more understanding, unified, represented and dignified society. RACE is the perfect platform to encounter new ideas, meet new people and build relationships with people of diverse cultures.

Vernon Ah Kee, Richard Bell, Destiny Deacon, Gordon Hookey, Clotilde Jimenez, Dianne Jones, William Kentridge, David Sequeira, Wani Le Frere, Vicki West

A conversation about PRACTICE

Public Forum
Thursday 1 September, 6.30pm


Local artists and creative practitioners are invited to a conversation about practice.
Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee
FREE
F I L M   P R O G R A M

NOIR FILMS

Friday 2 September, 7pm
Brings together a collection of short films that subvert prejudices and bring humour to the complex issues of race and racism.
Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee
$15. $10 concession
Bookings and information for RACE events
Dave is a Kokatha/Gunditjmara Storyteller & Songman. The Dave Arden Gunditjmara/Kokatha, Songman and Storyteller Show is a full band performance of 12 original songs and stories.This show represents a collective history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
 
From freedom fighters to Irish settlers, Gunditjmara soldiers in the World Wars to a new generation of culture keepers and leaders, these important stories are interwoven with song and music.

Remaining Victorian Tour dates:

HEYWOOD – Friday 2 September 
Heywood Community Hall, Edgar Street, Heywood
Tickets

WARRNAMBOOL – Saturday 3 September
The Lighthouse Theatre, 195 Timor Street, Warrnambool
Tickets

Dave Arden’s new EP is available at
http://www.waterfrontrecords.com/product/86573

Decolonisation Forum: From Australia to Israel-Palestine.


This forum will address the topic of decolonisation, looking at the links between Aboriginal and Palestinian struggles against colonialism. It will explore ideas and practices of solidarity and discuss ways we can all engage in movements for decolonisation.

Speakers: Dr Gary FoleyDr Clare LandDr Sary Zananiri

Sunday 4 September, 6 - 8 pm
Drill Hall, 26 Therry Street, Melbourne.

Donation entry: $15/$10.
All proceeds go to Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance

A Night with Uncle Jack

Tuesday 6 September
National treasure, award-winning actor, Aboriginal elder and activist Uncle Jack Charles will celebrate his longevity (73 years and counting) in the warm-hearted and freewheeling style he's known and loved. Uncle Jack will be joined by a host of special birthday guests (many of whom will be surprise guests to add to the party atmosphere) with musical performances and intimate story telling by the luminaries he's worked with in film, theatre and television throughout his long and storied career.

"A Night With Uncle Jack" will be hosted by respected broadcaster Namila Benson and will feature many special guests and surprises on the evening, along with Uncle Jack talking and sharing stories in his inimitably entertaining style, and picking up his guitar for a song or two.

Victorian Trades Hall Council
54 Victoria Street, Carlton South
Opening 6.30pm

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Indigenous Literacy Day


7 September 2016

On Indigenous Literacy Day, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation spreads the word about improving literacy levels and opportunities for Indigenous children living in some of the most remote and isolated parts of our country. Events are held all around Australia to raise funds to buy books and resources for these communities.

Find out how you can participate 

BlaaQ Catt

Written and performed by Maurial Spearim

Wednesday 21 September – Sunday 2 October

They say a cat has nine lives – and for Ruby, a First Nations woman navigating the 21st century, ‘nine lives’ are but one way to explain her idiosyncrasies. Join the enigmatic Ruby on her quest for connection, as she unites the truths of history with her experience of the present to uncover the binding threads of people and place.

Following stand-out performances across theatre and screen, BlaaQ Catt is the solo debut from writer and performer Maurial Spearim (We Get It, Redfern Now) – a one-woman exploration of hope, longing and connection, resonant without exception. Spearim skilfully fuses the ancient with the contemporary to bring two worlds into one, weaving Gamilaraay language together with song, dance and storytelling to reveal a captivating character.

Reflecting on the complexities of contemporary Indigenous experience, this work captures the beauty, depth and harsh realities of life for a young Aboriginal woman. Spearim challenges assumptions about Indigenous identity and experience in this darkly comic story, told skilfully with a good dose of dry, self-deprecating humour.

Produced by La Mama Theatre
La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton
$25. $15 concession.

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Hart

Performer and co-writer: Ian Michael
Directed by Penny Harpham

Thursday 22 September – Sunday 2 October

“I was always like, like a magnet with my Dad, like everywhere he went I was right next to him … He never got rid of me …”

Throughout Australia’s history, an unknown number of Indigenous children have been forcibly removed from their families. Parents were driven mad, grandparents heartbroken, siblings torn apart, language lost, and culture stripped away. Using testimonials from the Stolen Generations, Noongar man Ian Michael invites you to listen in on the silenced stories of this country.

'A brave and quietly devastating performance … Moving theatre that handles some emotionally harrowing material with dignity and grace.'   The Age

La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton
6.30pm and 8.30pm (50 minutes)
$25. $15 concession.

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Wilin Warriors

Presented by Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and VCA

Sunday 18 September 2016 
2.30pm (60 minutes)

Last year they brought the Festival Club to life in a night of storytelling like you’ve never seen before. This year the Fed Square stage erupts as the Wilin Warriors deliver a joyous celebration of music performed by artists from the oldest living culture in the world. Presented and performed by musicians from the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development at the VCA, proudly carrying the flame for culture and community.

Federation Square, cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

FREE EVENT

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Wilin on film

Presented by Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts

Sunday 18 September  3.30pm 

Reflections on culture, art and Indigenous knowledges by students and Elders associated with the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development. 

A presentation of films and digital stories are the end result of intergenerational knowledge exchange and cultural mentorship between students and Elders.

Federation Square, cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

INFORMATION AND TICKETS
Fifty Shades of Blak (inter-cultural exchange) will be an exploration and celebration of fifty women’s voices addressing issues of stereotyping, the colour of our skin (colour coding), racism, identity and how society sees us as women, each different and unique to our cultural heritages.

This exhibition will include a one-night event of performance art, spoken word and music.

Thursday 15 September – Sunday 2 October
Blak Dot Gallery, 33 Saxon Street, Brunswick

Opening  Thursday 15 September, 6.30pm
Artist Talk  Saturday 24 September, 2pm
Performance Evening   Saturday 1 October, 7pm

FREE EVENT

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

I Never Painted My Dreams:
I Painted My Reality


The diverse careers of Victorian Aboriginal artists

Produced by Justin Gayner
Curated by Hannah Presley

Monday 12 September – Friday 30 September

This exhibition will discuss the importance of supporting Victorian Aboriginal artists at every stage of their practice, bringing to light the impact of a range of opportunities by presenting work that illustrates artists’ journeys throughout their careers.

Kingston Arts Centre, 979 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin

INFORMATION AND TICKETS
Thursday 8 September

Join us as we announce the winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing.

We're also celebrating the languages of Australia's first people. Daniel Browning, Bruce Pascoe and Vicki Couzens will introduce and define a favourite word in language, then talk about why this word is precious and how it defies English translation.

The Wheeler Centre
176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Bookings and info
Author's Talk

Wednesday 14 September
1-2pm
Museum Theatre, Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton

Unknown and unlikely facets of the Wave Hill Walk-off and the Gurindji people’s quest for independence, 50 years on.

Charlie Ward has researched the history of the Gurindji communities of Kalkaringi and Daguragu for many years while writing his new book, A Handful of Sand: the Gurindji Struggle, After the Walk-off.

The story of the Wave Hill Walk-off is known by many, but incomplete. Half a century ago, on 23 August 1966, Gurindji elders in the Northern Territory broke from the industry that had taken their land and subjugated them for generations. Vincent Lingiari and others envisioned a brighter future for their people, and led 200 workers and their families from Lord Vestey’s Wave Hill cattle station. Their action became known as the Wave Hill Walk-off, and helped break the pastoral industry's control over Aboriginal lives in Australia's north.

At their Dreaming place of Daguragu, the Gurindji then fought for their land rights and built their new home. Thousands mobilised to support them. In 1975, their struggle was acknowledged by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who gave the Gurindji a pastoral lease over their land.

So the story ends. Or does it?

In this talk, Charlie Ward will describe his discoveries about the Walk-off and its aftermath: official spying programs, conflicted activists, fabricated biographies and the second, failed Gurindji Walk-off from Wave Hill. Discover the eventual outcomes of iconic events in Australian history, envisioned anew.

FREE EVENT

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Defending Country

Tuesday 27 September  5.30pm arrival for 6pm start

At least 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men served among the approximately 61,000 Australian servicemen in Vietnam. They served for a variety of reasons even though most states still restricted Indigenous civil rights.

This presentation will draw from oral histories and archival records to explore the life experiences of Indigenous Vietnam veterans. It will address issues including why these men enlisted in the armed forces, mateship in war, returning to discrimination and the ways that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Vietnam veterans have played long-term leadership and advocacy roles for Indigenous advancement.

Presenter: Dr Noah Riseman
Auditorium, Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Entry by donation

INFORMATION AND TICKETS
A READING'S SPECIAL EVENT
 

Stan Grant in conversation with

Richard Flanagan

Tuesday 27 September  6.30pm

We are honoured to host this very special evening together with the Melbourne Athenaeum, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the University of Melbourne.

Join us for a fascinating conversation about politics, privilege and Australian culture between two award-winning writers – journalist Stan Grant (Talking to my Country) and author Richard Flanagan (The Narrow Road to the Deep North). Flanagan is the Boisbouvier Founding Chair in Australian Literature at the University of Melbourne.

Melbourne Athenaeum, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne
$30. $25 concession. Proceeds will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. 

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

The Riverland NO:RI (Pelican) Music Festival

Sunday 2nd October 2016

The inaugural Riverland NO:RI Music Festival, will feature prominent Aboriginal performers highlighting their unique artistic skills. This year's festival will consist of a one day event, held indoors at the Bonney Theatre in Barmera, South Austraila and will run from 11.00am to 11.00pm.

The Riverland NO:RI Festival was designed to honour the dream of one of Australia's most talented Indigenous singer/songwriter, musicians and strong advocate for Indigenous Australians, Auntie Ruby Hunter.

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Free opening ceremony and
Welcome to Country

 

Wednesday 5 October 6.30pm

Facilitated by Ilbijerri Theatre Company

Kulin Tanderrum (ceremony) is the meeting of the five clans of the Kulin Nation: Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung, and your invitation to join them on this land.

This Tanderrum had not been practised here in Melbourne since 1835, but in the past four years it has become an integral moment in the commencement of each year’s Melbourne Festival. These are the first words spoken before the 18 days of stories and sensations that will follow: an opening ceremony and Welcome to Country by the First Peoples, the traditional custodians of this land.

Through Tanderrum, we acknowledge the lore of the creator spirit Bunjil and pay respects to the vibrant living culture of this country.

With sand, leaves and bark, a space is made, and it’s a space to be shared. Come dance.

Federation Square
Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

INFORMATION
Presented by Melbourne Festival

Wednesday 12 October at 8pm
Thursday 13 October at 6.30pm


To find the soul of our land we have to dig deep. Long before Aboriginal painters, film-makers and dance companies were becoming household names, generations of Indigenous musicians were finding a voice in white Australia through country music.

When Clinton Walker began delving into this forgotten history, he could never have expected that the songs and stories he would uncover would go on to inform a book that went from instant cult classic to widely recognised masterpiece, and that a film and album would follow.

Now these same musical stories are brought to the stage in a concert featuring singers and songwriters from across the continent and across the generations. Including iconic elders Roger Knox, Auriel Andrew and L J Hill, Central Desert legend Warren H Williams, and younger artists Leah Flanagan, Luke Peacock and James Henry.

A potent and moving song cycle and a tribute to an enduring musical tradition: this is music that couldn’t stay buried.

Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall,
31 Sturt Street, Southbank

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Friday 14 October  11.30am – 3pm  

Join Michael Long and the Original Walkers to celebrate Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women's leadership and achievements. Enjoy a day filled with inspirational speakers, performers and of course the opportunity to meet people from across the public, corporate and community sectors.

All funds raised go towards the delivery of Walk the Talk, The Long Walk's educational and cultural program.

The Park, Skyline and River Rooms, Melbourne Park Function Centre (part of the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct)
$150 per person. Tables of 10 available.

Further information, phone 8340 2162

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

LET LOVE RULE album release show

Saturday 29 October


Archie Roach, with special guests Corey Theatre and members of Dhungala Children's Choir and Short Black Opera.

Archie Roach is a man of few words but when he speaks or sings, those words lift you up, transport you, and humble you. This innate talent is displayed in It’s Not Too Late, the first single and spiritual centrepiece of Archie’s forthcoming album Let Love Rule (out 23 September via Liberation Music).

It’s Not Too Late is a prayer to a shared humanity, a call for understanding – it is not necessarily a message for this generation and those who follow.

Archie explains:
“It’s a prayer and a hope that it’s not too late to turn things around so that goodness can triumph over adversity. the world, it would seem, is heading towards self-destruction and not just destroying mother earth but each other in wars.”

Elizabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre,
Corner Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Melbourne

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Enquiries: 9699 3333

Saturday 5 November
11am - 8pm

NaranaFest continues the yearlong celebration of Songlines

Featuring: A. B. Original, Gawurra, Leah Flanagan, Yirrmal, Karl S. Williams, Benny Walker, Emily Wurramara, The New Savages, Deadly Duo, True Culture, One Connexion.

Cultural exhibition – Arts and crafts – Activities – Market stalls – Cafe – BBQ – Food trucks

Tickets on sale Monday 29 August.
Tickets $40 + Oztix Booking Fee or $50 On The Gate
All ages. Alcohol-free event
Kids Under 12 FREE when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

http://www.narana.com.au/narana-news/

Following an international tour, Uncle Jack Charles returns to Australia to perform

Jack Charles v The Crown

15 - 19 November
From Stolen Generation to Koori theatre in the 70s, from film sets to Her Majesty’s prisons, Jack Charles v The Crown runs the gamut of a life lived to its utmost. Charles’ unswerving optimism transforms this tale of addiction, crime and doing time into a kind of vagabond’s progress – a map of the traps of dispossession and a guide to reaching the age of grey-haired wisdom.

Fairfax Theatre
Victorian Arts Centre, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Bookings and info

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KEY DATES


September: Petyan – season of wildflowers (early spring).


1 September 1991:
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation established.

7 September:
Indigenous Literacy Day. Show your support and make a donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation

17 September 1997:
The Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett, moved a parliamentary motion that included the words: "That this House apologises to the Aboriginal people on behalf of all Victorians for the past policies under which Aboriginal children were removed from their families, and expresses deep regret at the hurt and distress this has caused and reaffirms its support for reconciliation between all Australians".

Save the date: Saturday 12 November. Reconciliation Victoria AGM and Statewide Forum. Speakers and venue tbc.

EXHIBITIONS

In the Saddle –
On the Wall


Kimberley Aboriginal Artists Touring Exhibition
Tuesday 2 August – Sunday 25 September

In the Saddle – On the Wall
is a unique art and digital media exhibition that shares insights into the history, art and culture of northern Australia’s Kimberley region.

The exhibition celebrates the resilience and determination of Aboriginal people to maintain connection to their cultural values and country. The remote Kimberley region of northern Western Australia has been shaped by a thriving pastoral industry built on the contribution, knowledge and commitment of generations of Aboriginal people.

However, what could have continued as a complex yet prosperous cross-cultural industry abruptly ended with the introduction of the pastoral industries legislation in the late 1960s.

When Aboriginal people were moved off stations as a result of this legislation some Aboriginal people continued their cultural connection through arts practice.

Through art and storytelling they have maintained their cultural knowledge for younger generations.  Read more

The Ian Potter Museum of Art, The University of Melbourne, Swanston Street, Parkville

Tues to Frid 10am – 5pm
Sat and Sun 12 noon – 5pm
Monday closed

Pictured:
1. Patrick Mung Mung
Boornoolooloo (Purnululu) 2013
2. Stan Brumby
Lamboo Station 2012

Yannae Wirrate Weelam


Many well-known Koorie artists have created works while imprisoned, some of which have been purchased by leading galleries around the world.

See a variety of artworks by Indigenous artists from south-eastern Australia who are currently participating in The Torch's Indigenous Arts in Prison and Community program.

Focusing on the role of cultural strengthening and artistic expression, these works form part of a rehabilitation process that helps build confidence, social capital and can create a pathway to economic stability. By embracing participants as artists rather than ex-offenders, The Torch provides an avenue to change.

Find out more

Bunjilaka Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum.
3 July - 6 November

Carved out of Life:

The next generation

23 July – 2 October

Curated by Clinton Nain, Carved out of Life: The next generation, showcases the fine art and tradition of emu egg carving featuring works by artists Esther Kirby, Jenny Singh, Adrian Morgan, Harley Finn, Jayden Finn, Jirrah Morgan, Lucy Williams-Connelly, Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis, Talgium Edwards.
 

Curator Talk with Clinton Nain


Join guest curator and artist Clinton Nain (Ku-Ku/Meriam) for a discussion around his current exhibition. Clinton will talk about emu egg carving, the process of curating the exhibition and his own art practice.

Saturday 17 September, 2pm

FREE

Level 1, Yarra Building, Federation Square.

More info
 

SAVE THE DATE:
Exhibition Launch

Yenbena biganga, gaiyimarr biganga: Stitching together the songlines

A solo exhibition by Lee Darroch

Saturday 8 October, 2 - 4pm
Koorie Heritage Trust

WORKSHOPS

Footscray Community Arts Centre presents a three-day workshop –

Generate

Working in First Nations Cultural Contexts
Facilitated by Genevieve Grieves, this three-day workshop explores racial literacy, understanding whiteness, cultural competency and effective ways of working in First Nations contexts.

It will offer participants the opportunity to connect with Elders and Koorie community arts practitioners, who will share firsthand knowledge and experience.

Generate is FCAC’s 10-part professional development series in contemporary community engaged practice. Be informed about best practice in the industry, and develop your leadership skills for social change.

Thursday 29 September – Saturday 1 October

10am – 5pm
Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland Street
Footscray

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Weaving Workshops at the Koorie Heritage Trust


NEW DATES

We still have spots in our monthly weaving workshops with Yorta Yorta weaver Donna Blackall. This regular workshop gives keen weavers a chance to build their weaving skills.

Friday 9 September
Friday 7 October
Friday 11 November


Workshops include tea and coffee. All skill levels suitable.
Bookings are essential.

12 noon – 1pm

Koorie Heritage Trust,
Level 3, The Yarra Building, Federation Square

$16.50

Book Here or contact 8662 6336
 

Pine Needle Weaving Workshop




In her second pine needle weaving workshop, Master Weaver Marilyne Nicholls will share stories and techniques of how her family mastered pine needle weaving practices and how her relationship with the environment along the Murray River (Miloo) is embedded in her practice.

Saturday 10 September

1:30 - 3:30pm

$33.00

Book Here or contact 8662 6300

FILM 

Footscray Community Arts Centre and Moondani Balluk at VU present –
Director Nicole Ma spent more than a decade documenting Tom 'Putuparri’ Lawford's journey, travelling with him and his family on numerous occasions to Kurtal, in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. Kurtal is a site of great spiritual significance to Putuparri’s family where they have ritually made rain for many thousands of years. The family have spent nearly two decades fighting for their native title claim over the area.

Tuesday 13 September
6.30pm for 7pm start
Footscray Community Arts Centre, Basement Theatre, 5 Moreland Street, Footscray
FREE but please book.

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Presented as part of FCAC's Indigenous Cultural Program and supported by the National Film and Sound Archive.

BOOKS

Yijarni: True stories from Gurindji country


On 23 August 1966, approximately 200 Gurindji stockmen and their families walked off Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory, protesting against poor working conditions and the taking of their land by pastoralists. Led by Vincent Lingiari, this land-mark action in 1966 precipitated the equal wages case in the pastoral industry and the establishment of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

While it is well known that the Walk Off was driven by the poor treatment of Aboriginal workers, what is less well known is the previous decades of massacres and killings, stolen children and other abuses by early colonists.

Told in both English and Gurindji, these compelling and detailed oral accounts of the events that Gurindji elders either witnessed or heard from their parents and grandparents, will ignite the interest of audiences nationally and internationally and challenge revisionist historians who question the extent of frontier battles and the legitimacy of the Stolen Generations.

"Powerful and compelling; essential reading for anyone with an interest in the history of modern Australia." 
Henry Reynolds, Historian
Ngarrnga, an art-based Aboriginal activity book, was developed by artists at Baluk Arts from a strong need locally for genuine Indigenous resources.

The book highlights a selection of our members language groups from each state and territory in Australia to raise awareness of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Sections include general information, a story, an activity and an arts activity and is aimed at primary school age children.
Purchase your copy  

Welcome to Country


Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. We are part of this land and the land is part of us. This is where we come from. Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik. Welcome to Country.
 

This is an expansive and generous Welcome from respected Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy, beautifully given form by Aboriginal artist Lisa KennedyRead review

It’s Our Country


Edited by Marcia Langton and Megan Davis.

The idea of constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians has become a highly political and contentious issue, entangled in institutional processes that rarely express the diversity of Indigenous opinion.

This collection of essays by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander thinkers and leaders, including Patrick Dodson, Noel Pearson, Dawn Casey, Nyunggai Warren Mundine and Mick Mansell, explores what recognition and constitutional reform might achieve – or not achieve – for Indigenous people.

Published by MUP, $29.99

A Handful of Sand

The Gurindji Struggle, After the Walk-off
by
Charlie Ward

Fifty years ago, a group of striking Aboriginal stockmen in the remote Northern Territory of Australia heralded a revolution in the cattle industry and a massive shift in Aboriginal affairs.

Now, after many years of research, A Handful of Sand tells the story behind the Gurindji people’s famous Wave Hill Walk-off in 1966 and questions the meanings commonly attributed to the return of their land by Gough Whitlam in 1975.

Written with a sensitive, candid and perceptive hand, A Handful of Sand reveals the path Vincent Lingiari and other Gurindji elders took to achieve their land rights victory, and how their struggles in fact began, rather than ended, with Whitlam’s handback.

The Forgotten People


Edited by Damien Freeman, Shireen Morris

Liberal and conservative approaches to recognising indigenous peoples
Foreword by Noel Pearson
The Forgotten People challenges the assumption that constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians is a project of the left in Australia.

It demonstrates that there may be a set of reforms that can achieve the change sought by indigenous leaders, while addressing the critical concerns of constitutional conservatives and classical liberals. Includes essays by Major General Michael Jeffery, Cardinal George Pell, Chris Kenny, Malcolm Mackerras.

Available on MUP website

Some articles, videos, podcasts and TV shows that we highly recommend

STAN GRANT
– Wallace Lurth Lecture

Dr Stan Grant delivers the Wallace Wurth Lecture at UNSW Sydney, a powerful and emotive speech entitled From Reconciliation to Rights: Shaping a Bigger Australia.

The speech comes in the wake of the damning expose of the treatment of Indigenous children in the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in the Northern Territory.

The Australian Government immediately called a Royal Commission. Dr Grant, however, argues the need for a national truth and reconciliation commission “a full reckoning of our Nation’s past that may set loose the chains of history that bind this country’s first and today most miserably impoverished people.”

He also calls for a treaty with Indigenous Australians, similar to those in New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

View the video

The Law of the Land


Galarrwuy Yunupingu, leader of the Gumatj clan and 1978 Australian of the Year, seeks "an honest answer from the Australian people to an honest question", in this month's edition of The Monthly.

This special edition also features articles by Marcia Langton, Bruce Pascoe, Megan Davies, Rachel Perkins, Wesley Enoch and more. Read the article
 
 

Aboriginal women talking for themselves


The experiences of Aboriginal women often get talked about, are often used as a justification for the removal of rights, but rarely are Aboriginal women given the space to articulate the issues or seen as experts on their situation. 

Celeste Liddle argues that understanding how Australia can move forward and be a better place from the perspectives of Aboriginal women is integral to a more positive future.
Watch the lecture
 


My place, where I belong

As part of Radio National's coverage of Indigenous stories for NAIDOC Week they created this online series of video stories about people and the place in which they each belong. View the series here


Goldstone


This latest film from Ivan Sen, the acclaimed writer-director-cinematographer, stars Aaron Pederson, David Gulpilil, Tom E Lewis (and Jackie Weaver amongst others). Now showing at The Nova Cinema.
 

 

2016 Inaugural Swinburne University Annual Reconciliation Lecture


Presented by Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney, Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of South Australia.

Without education Aboriginal Peoples will always be second class citizens: What strategies and lessons for reform are offered by the Treaty debate and Constitutional Recognition?

View the lecture here


"We are the Australians, we have the power"

Aboriginal writer Bruce Pascoe makes the case for the real and present value of Indigenous culture to the country at large.  

Read an extract and watch the video of Bruce's Lin Onus Oration during NRW at Melbourne University.



Shorten's treaty talk reflects impact of Indigenous activism


"For the first time ever since I have been enrolled to vote in this country, I got the sense that political views on the importance of Indigenous issues had shifted." Celeste Liddle in Eureka Street, 21 June.

Read full article


 

We’ve been silent on injustice for too long


"Governments around Australia are again playing politics with the lives and liberty of Indigenous people. As a nation, we should have no tolerance for such inequity and injustice".

From an article published in the Human Rights Law Centre Newsletter, by Ruth Barson, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre and Julian Cleary, an Indigenous rights campaigner at Amnesty International.

Read full article
eNews layout by Julie Cattlin
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