This NAIDOC Week, we’re celebrating the history, culture, and storytelling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.
This year’s theme “For Our Elders” acknowledges that ‘across every generation, Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.’
We’re furthering our knowledge and learning of the spirit, imagination, rich history, and connection to Country of First Nations Australian who lived in harmony with the land for millennia.
We acknowledge the Jagera people and the Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work – Meanjin (South Brisbane) and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
Here’s 5 ways to honour NAIDOC Week here in Meanjin.
Indigenous Art Program – Black History Month extended walking tour. Image credit: Brisbane City Council.
1. Explore Brisbane City Council’s Indigenous Art Program
Brisbane City Council’s Indigenous Art Program showcases some of the most celebrated and widely recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and their stories.
With over 80 artists exhibited to date, the program continues to celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s depth and strength of culture and understanding of the land called ‘Australia’.
Located throughout the Outdoor Gallery, this program transforms Brisbane’s streets and laneways into an exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks in various places and spaces. The program is accompanied by a series of public events, including walking tours, artist talks and workshops.
Reflections: A Reflection of Brisbane’s Waterways. Image credit: Must Do Brisbane
As part of this year’s program, an exhibition titled Reflections: A reflection of Brisbane’s waterways highlights the Brisbane River’s beauty, significance, and sustainability – through artwork by emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who call Meanjin (Brisbane) home.
Explore the beauty of the river’s complex creeks, tributaries and ancestral traditions. This exhibition showcases the river as a source of sustenance, security, social network and cultural heritage.
View the public events for this year’s Indigenous Art Program.
Image credit: 7Weekender
2. Visit Birrunga Gallery
Wiradyuri man, Birrunga Wiradyuri, is the founder and principal artist of the multi-award winning Birrunga Gallery.
A vibrant collection of contemporary Indigenous art awaits at the Birrunga Gallery on Adelaide Street, Meanjin (Brisbane City). Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and celebrate the artistic legacy of Australia’s First Nations people. Showcasing the talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, this gallery features a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and more.
View Birrunga Gallery and Cafe’s website.
Image credit: Open House Collective Facebook
3. Check out Open House in West End
Open House is a retail space that showcases local makers, First Nations fashion, Indigenous products, wearable art and more.
Open House is one of our favourite stores in West End that brings art and fashion together with a focus on sustainable fashion from local makers, Aboriginal art, and engaging workshops.
Stocking fabrics, fashion, jewellery, zines and more – at Open House you can pick up a gift and support First Nations creatives and labels including Magpie Goose, Haus of Dizzy, Chaboo Designs, Brush and Wheel, Papa Drew, Katalyst Design, Nelson Molloy, Elk & Ina and more. Open House also features regular exhibitions focused on Aboriginal art curated by Blaklash Projects.
Image credit: Dreamtime Aroha
4. Pay it forward by gifting a child a Jarjum doll
Dreamtime Aroha are a self-funded start-up driven by a heartfelt mission. Their Jarjum dolls are made in Meanjin and loved by Mob everywhere.
Founders Tidda J and Cuzzie B’s were inspired to create dolls that represented their families and friends. After extensive research and YouTube tutorials, they acquired a sewing machine and sourced fabrics from all over Australia to design their own dolls. Jarjum dolls are adored by kids and their business is driven by purpose.
‘What we make matches what we give away. The money we make on sales goes back into materials to make more so we can continue to send the babies out to kids.’
You can purchase a Jarjum doll or pay it forward by donating towards dolls to be gifted to the community here, starting from $5.
Image credit: Evolve Communities
5. Follow Aunty Munya Andrews (Aboriginal Elder and educator)
Regarded as a leading Australian thinker, Aunty Munya Andrews is an Indigenous author and barrister.
Munya’s life purpose is ‘to create a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal people, leaving behind a legacy of Dreamtime wisdom for generations to come’.
Through her business Evolve Communities, Aunty Munya provides a range of in-person cultural awareness training programs, coaching and events about Aboriginal culture.
Add cultural commentary, history, and facts to your LinkedIn feed by following Aunty Munya Andrews.
How will you celebrate NAIDOC Week this year? For more information, check out naidoc.org.au.