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UniSA acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands that are now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and future. UniSA also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands, waters and sky across Australia.
It was and always will be Aboriginal land.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
This year’s theme ‘Now More Than Ever’ is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue.
UniSA will be celebrating NRW through a variety of on-campus and online events, so everyone can get involved. We invite all of you to participate in the many activities we offer.
Join us online for Nunga Screen 2024, a curated screening of short First Nations films, proudly presented by Country Arts SA. Nunga Screen shares and celebrates First Nations culture, stories and language through film.
Featuring five short films, including Wadu Matydi, The Mimis, Black Time White Time, Tambo and Gynburra, the online screening will be hosted by Ngarrindjeri man Josh Trevorrow, Filmmaker and Country Arts SA’s First Nations Arts & Cultural Manager, who will also facilitate a Q&A session at the conclusion of the short films. This event is open to all UniSA students, staff and general public.
Take part in this introductory online training and learn about the impact of colonisation on the Aboriginal population and growth, the principles of cultural safety, general facts about Aboriginal Australia, culturally sensitive terminology, and more. Presented by Haydyn Bromley from Bookabee Australia, you will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation and be inspired to continue the journey to reconciliation in a meaningful way.
Join us on a guided tour of the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the SA Museum, where you’ll immerse yourself in the history of the world’s oldest continuously living cultures. Our knowledgeable Aboriginal guide will share important social history, cultural information and personal stories as you explore the largest collection of Australian Aboriginal antiquities and archival material in the world with more than 3000 items on display. This is a free event but registration is essential.
Join us on campus for a Cleansing Ceremony and Welcome to Country performed by Cliffy from Kuma Kaaru, followed by the chance to get creative while connecting with Aboriginal culture by painting a silk canvas. You will learn traditional art symbols that have been used for generations to express stories and identity. The artwork created will be hung at a later date at the City East campus, continuously allowing students and staff to reflect about reconciliation and its importance. Come along and see the importance of keeping Aboriginal culture alive, now more than ever.
Join us to get a taste of Aboriginal food – try various spices in your toasted sandwich or enjoy delicious sweets made with Australian native ingredients. There will be mindful colouring tables, as well as information available about National Reconciliation Week and why the theme 'Now More Than Ever' is important. Cliffy from Kuma Kaaru will also deliver a Welcome to Country at 1:00pm.
Join Aboriginal weavers to learn about weaving and have a yarn. Sit with the aunties, come into the moment, and listen and share. This is a free event but bookings are essential and you need to commit to coming, with an understanding that this is a cultural event. You are free to ask questions, engage in conversations and you will also get to learn a new skill. Tea and coffee will be provided, and you can purchase a small weaving kit for $5 (cash only) on the day if you want to take the weaving materials home to complete your piece. There are two sessions available (1 hour each) – if you would like to stay longer, you will need to get a ticket for each session.
Hailing from the Fleurieu Peninsula, emerging songwriter Tilly Tjala Thomas has been writing and performing her own songs around Adelaide since the age of 11. Tilly is an awarded musician, having recently won Best Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Artist and the Emily Burrows Award at the 2021 South Australian Music Awards, and the 2021 NIMA Unearthed Award at the National Indigenous Music Awards. Her music includes songs written in Nukunu landuage and pop, hip-hop and indie folk influences.
Opening the event with a Welcome to Country, you are then invited to gather and yarn about the importance of the National Reconciliation Week theme while exploring Aboriginal foods supplied by local business Something Wild. Come and try some unique produce that celebrates Aboriginal culture. Adelaide-based singer-songwriter, Nathan May, will also be performing live. Nathan is an Arabana, Yawuru and Marridjabin man living on Kaurna country with his young family. He writes in memory of his friends and family, and as a reminder that there is always hope. This is an opportunity to facilitate understanding and knowledge sharing across cultures through food, song and community.
Opening the event with Welcome to Country by Isaac Hannam, you are then invited to join us for afternoon tea with native-inspired treats from Something Wild and Vili's donuts. You can also make a reconciliation-themed badge to show your support and try your hand at Aboriginal sand art.
Join us for Welcome to Country by a local Barngarla Elder, participate in a range of activities, and grab some tasty sweets and savouries infused with bush tucker from the local area. You will be able to view local artefacts and artworks, as well as sign the reconciliation book with the opportunity to share and document how you will commit to promoting reconcilation. The local Barngarla Elders have also been involved in planning and advising on the location and design for the Whyalla campus Yarning Circle, with the concept and design work for this amazing project to be on display at this event.
Learn about bush tucker, bush medicines and cultural safety from local Boandik Elder Uncle Ken Jones, experience Aboriginal storytelling by local Boandik Elder Aunty Michelle Jacqulin-Furr, and gain information about the Aboriginal Employment Graduate Program presented by Wayne Buckskin.
Come along for an action-packed program full of activities, including a Welcome to Country, morning tea, earring making craft session and luncheon.
Join us for a Welcome to Country by local Elder Wanda Miller, followed by presentations from local students showcasing their work with family and friends. The event will include a luncheon, interactive activities and a display of local community artwork.
In addition to events and activities held by UniSA, there are a variety of other free events hosted by local organisations and community groups in South Australia, including art exhibitions, workshops and tours, movie night, film screenings, live music and storytelling, and other community celebrations.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
> See recommendations from Reconciliation Australia.
> Check out these ebooks available to UniSA staff and students via the Library collection.
> Come into the Magill or Mawson Lakes Library and choose a book from our storytelling displays.
> Get ideas from the Library display on Level 2 in the Jeffrey Smart Building at City West.
> Explore SBS’s Reconciliation Film Club titles.
> Check out your favourite streaming service to see if they have a curated list.
> Find something to watch from this list of videos available to UniSA staff and students via the Library collection.
> Explore the history of this place before and after colonisation.
> Find out whose Country you live and/or work on. Check out the Map of Indigenous Australia available from the AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) website.
Contribute to social justice and change, while expanding your networks and meeting new people. Plan, implement and participate in reconciliation events across the calendar year, and across all campuses.