NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week events and workshops occurred across the Federation region between the 2nd and 10th of July, providing an opportunity for all members of our community to participate in celebrations and learn about First Nations culture, foods, art and stories.
Federation Council Mayor, Councillor Pat Bourke said, Visitors to the Corowa Art space got to view an exclusive exhibition featuring contemporary Aboriginal artworks from artists Owen Lyons, Sonia Undy and Elijah Ingram, while young visitors to Federation Council Libraries participated in NAIDOC themed storytime sessions and craft activities held in Corowa and Howlong.
“Aunty Debbie Flower of Many Mobs led weaving workshops in Oaklands and in Howlong. Participants of all ages learnt techniques to create rope, utilising materials such as natural fibres, emu feathers and quandong seeds to create keychains. Debbie shared the many ways weaving has been incorporated into traditional items used in both special ceremonies and every day scenarios.”
“Uncle Michael Lyons of Sandhills Artefacts entertained and educated participants in Boree Creek with traditional stories and cautionary tales for children, genuine artefacts used in hunting and long-distance communication and showed the range of sounds that can be produced with a didgeridoo. Attendees enjoyed an amazing feast of traditional inspired foods with Australian ingredients. Some of the bush tucker taste tests on offer included finger lime infused ice cream with quandong syrup, fried Murray cod, kangaroo meatballs and emu stir-fry,” he said.
Council thanks all the event attendees and the NAIDOC partners that ensured the NAIDOC Week celebrations were a success.
Federation Council has commenced its reconciliation journey, and is committed to engaging with local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure their policies, decisions and community engagement is respectful and acknowledges the traditional owners of our land. Council is currently developing it’s Reconciliation Action Plan which will incorporate NAIDOC week events and activities as described above.