Welcome to the Indigenous Program for the 2013 Festival.
“Fanning the Flames” is about actively participating in and learning some Indigenous ways. We aim to help build first meetings (impressions) into robust relationships (dialogues) – as sparks are coaxed into crackling fire. Our program will engage people on all levels, physically, mentally and spiritually. As is the way of the First Australians.
Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Country
Uncle Max lighting the sacred fire.
Yuin elder, Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, the Festival’s mentor, will light the ceremonial fire and officially Welcome to Country.
Members of his extended family, including Max Harrison II, Warren Foster, Dwayne Bannon-Harrison, and others – Johnny Huckle and Noel Butler – will also participate in this ceremony.
The ceremonial fire burns throughout the festival and is extinguished in a traditional ceremony at the Closing, on Sunday afternoon.
Ryrie Park, Friday, 11-12.30 am
Graduation – Jack Featherstone
Jack Featherstone Retrospective
A retrospective exhibition by Braidwood painter and poet, Jack Featherstone, will open with a floor-talk by the artist. Jack is not Indigenous but his work with and for Aboriginal people, in dental health, spans five decades during which time he marked special events and places by making artworks.
Braidwood Community Arts Centre, opening Friday, 1.15-2.15 pm
Fir web (textile, detail). Ceretha Skinner
Deadly Art Show
An exhilarating range of indigenous two- and three-dimensional art works. Featuring Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, Lyndy Delian, Amala Groom, Ceretha Skinner, Cheryl Davison, Donald Atkinson, Lynne Thomas, Anne Thomas and Ernabella Arts Centre.
Altenburg & Co.: opening, with music by Johnny Huckle, Friday, 5.30-6.30 pm
Remember Them All. Amala Groom.
Ernabella ceramic
Greeting Grandfather Sun
Ceremony with Uncle Max and family. Sunrise (approx. 6.20 am), Ryrie Park
Walking and Talking the Land
with Uncle Max Harrison. This is always a festival highlight and this time we will hold it along Half Moon Road, Mongarlowe. The walk will pass Judith Wright’s former home, “Edge”. Transportation to the site will be provided. Limited numbers, details later.
Starting from Ryrie Park, Saturday, 8-10 am
To be followed by a film showing Judith Wright walking and talking her property “Edge”. Anglican Hall, 10 am
Humpy Building
For kids and adults. Led by Uncle Max Harrison II.
Ryrie Park, Saturday, Noon-3 pm
Basket Weaving
A basket weaving workshop with Donald Atkinson. Limit 15 people; book at the Festival Office.
Shirl’s Cafe, Saturday, Noon-3 pm
Indigenous Poets FIRED UP
Performing and speaking. Amala Groom, Lorna Munro, Jenni Kemarre-Martiniello, Lyndy Delian, Marcelle Churchill. St. Bede’s Hall. See Cross-Stream posting.
St. Bede’s Hall, Saturday, 2.30-4.30 pm
Dance Gathering
Saturday at dusk will possibly be the most exciting event of the weekend! Who can resist the opportunity to witness a “Dance Gathering” featuring several traditional Aboriginal Dance Groups. This is a must-see.
Ryrie Park, Saturday 4.45-6 pm
Forum: Indigenous Identity
This forum will explore issues and perspectives on indigenous identity in Australia in 2013. It will aim to inform, arouse, and promote better understanding in the audience (and therefore beyond…) of the diverse and complex issues involved with this important and often fraught subject. And to give a sense of the ongoing impact that identity issues can have on individuals, families and all of us. Susan Green, Bruce Pascoe, Amala Groom, Dwayne Bannon-Harrison will present their diverse views and stories, with time for questions and discussion. Facilitated by Susan Moylan-Coombs. More here.
We are very appreciative that Sue, Bruce, Amala, and Dwayne have agreed to share their perspectives on what are often very sensitive and confronting family stories.
St. Bede’s Hall, Sunday, 10.30-12.30 am
Women’s Teaching Circle
Led by Tjanara Goreng Goreng.
Learn more about Aboriginal Women’s Business, with particular focus on spirituality and law, with Tjanara Goreng Goreng, a traditional Aboriginal medicine practitioner and teacher.
Tjanara also has a political background in indigenous affairs, and extensive experience in the public service as well as in academia. She has a Masters in Social Administration, and postgraduate degrees in Social Science (Counselling) and Business Management.
Tjanara began doing Women’s Business gatherings for non-indigenous women in the 1990’s as a way of creating dialogue and respect between our cultures. She likes to build bridges, heal and create healthy understanding, relationships and dialogue between all peoples.
For this gathering, Tjanara WELCOMES ALL WOMEN, AND CHILDREN TOO. There is no numbers limit.
Ryrie Park, Sunday 1-2.30 pm
Men’s Yarning Circle
Led by Uncle Max II, Uncle Warren and Dwayne Bannon-Harrison (the festival’s first Indigenous committee member).
Ryrie Park, Sunday 1-2.30 pm
Closing Ceremony
Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, family and friends will perform the closing ceremony and extinguishing of the sacred fire. Community singing with Merrilyn Simmons.
Ryrie Park, Sunday, 3-4 pm
We, the Indigenous Stream of the festival committee, are very excited by the program for 2013 and wish to thank all the people who are sharing their skills, thoughts and aspirations – to deliver to us a fabulous festival.
Contact: Julia at sun.ursaminor@gmail.com with enquiries or for more information on the Indigenous Program.