NAIDOC in the North Celebrates Culture in Gungahlin

NAIDOC in the North is coming to Gungahlin Town Square for the first time on Saturday 13 July from 11 am – 2 pm.

With a packed program of music, art, dance, ceremony and stories that celebrate the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, there’s something for everyone at this free family-friendly event.

The program will begin at 11 am with a Welcome to Country from Canberra’s most senior elder Aunty Agnes Shea and a smoking ceremony by Ritchie Allen.

After this, the town square stage will come alive with some of Canberra’s crowd favourites, including the Wiradjuri Echoes and blues goddess Monica Moore who will perform with her trio. Also featured will be the universally-adored Johnny Huckle who will bring the wombat wobble to Gungahlin! Jye Cole Hopkins – Canberra’s newest emerging talent – will round out the musical program, which will be held together by event MC Aunty Violet Sheridan sharing some of her own stories as well.

There’s also plenty of hands on activities for all members of the family, with local Aboriginal artists and experts sharing their knowledge in a series of workshops. Join the weaving circle with Meg and have a yarn while you learn traditional Indigenous basket weaving techniques, or visit Yurbay who will share their extensive knowledge of traditional plant use for food and medicine – with samples for you to touch, taste and smell. Wiradjuri storyteller Larry Brandy will be sharing artefacts, songs, dance and stories from the Wiradjuri culture in the Gungahlin Library.

The kids will be entertained too – with face painting by Wiradjuri artists Yarrudhamarra Creations and a range of fun arts and crafts activities provided by local community organisations.

There’s also the chance to hop aboard a fire truck or jump onto the reconciliation bus. Canberra icon the Bogong Moth will also make an appearance.

If that’s not enough, an exhibition presented in the Gungahlin College Stage Gallery will showcase the talents of the next generation of local artists with works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from local schools. You can even cast your vote in the people’s choice awards and help kick-start the arts career of one lucky student!

And if you’re feeling hungry just thinking about all this fun, never fear – coffee from Black Magic Coffee, a sausage sizzle from the Belconnen Lions Club and crepes from Le Petit Breton will all be available for purchase on the day.

For more information, check out the Belconnen Arts Centre website, or join the Facebook event.

NAIDOC in the North will be held at Gungahlin Town Square on Saturday 13 July from 11 am – 2 pm. Entry is free.

NAIDOC in the North is presented as part of the Gungahlin Arts program in partnership with Belconnen Arts Centre, ACT Child and Family Centres, ACT Education Directorate, Belconnen Community Service, Kippax Uniting Care, Gungahlin College and Libraries ACT with support from Icon Water and Ginninderry.

Original Article published by Belconnen Arts Centre on The RiotACT.