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 ‘Bridging Now to Next’ reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. It calls on all of us to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward to build a more united and respectful nation.
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 for a free screening of short films from emerging and established First Nations artists, including Noongar Bedtime Stories – Kodj, Craitbul – A Journey Across Boandik Country, Wiradjuri Star Dreaming, Barani, Kumarangk – The Hindmarsh Island Bridge, and Second Chance. Read the film synopsis on the Nunga Screen program.
This event is open to all UniSA students, staff and public film lovers, and will be hosted by Ngarrindjeri man Josh Trevorrow, Country Arts SA’s First Nations Arts & Cultural Manager and Filmmaker, who will also facilitate a Q&A session at the conclusion of the short films.
Join us on campus to widen your knowledge and understanding across cultures through native foods, song and community. Grab a Vili’s donut at Brekky Bar and get a taste of native foods catered by local business MeezOn Plus Catering. Hang around to hear Welcome to Country by Isaac Hannam and live music by Nathan May, a local Adelaide-based singer-songwriter. Nathan writes in memory of his friends and family, and as a reminder that there is always hope.
This session, hosted by Southern Cultural Immersion and led by a First Nations artist, will introduce you to Aboriginal art with knowledge and hands-on learning. Tickets are $4 (+ booking fee) per person. Limited spots available and registration is essential.
Join us for a National Reconciliation Week event in collaboration with Brekky Bar. Taste some native spices, grab a beautiful sweet treat with native ingredients from local business Something Wild, enjoy a Vili’s custom donut, and take the option to do some mindful colouring or learn about native spices and plants as part of the process of reconciliation. From 1:00pm there will be Welcome to Country by Petiola Wilson, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri descendant who is well-known for his motivational speaking and cultural awareness training delivery for workplaces.
Enjoy live music from Tilly Tjala Thomas, Nukunu singer-songwriter and award winner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Musician of the Year in 2021. Tilly’s original music combines her beautiful singing voice, guitar playing, Nukunu language and spellbinding stage presence.
Start the day with a Welcome to Country by Isaac Hannam, followed by morning tea supplied by MeezOn Plus Catering as we gather and yarn about the importance of National Reconciliation Week. Brekky Bar will also be giving out custom Vili’s donuts to students. Adelaide-based singer-songwriter, Nathan May, will be performing live throughout the morning. Nathan writes in memory of his friends and family as a reminder that there is always hope.
Students can kick off National Reconciliation Week at Mawson Lakes with custom Vili’s donuts at Brekky Bar. At 11:30am, join us for Welcome to Country by Petiola Wilson, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri descendant who is well-known for his motivational speaking and cultural awareness training delivery for workplaces. Drop in to learn about Aboriginal culture through sand symbols, hosted by Winda Creations, and weave/bead your own bracelet to take home while having a yarn with Marra Dreaming, artist and cultural workshop provider. If you’re short on time, come and collect a NRW badge! Katie Aspel, Ngarrindjeri/Gunditjmara musician, will also be sharing her voice and story through her music from 12:00pm.
Come and learn how to find the different constellations (stellar patterns) as seen by Indigenous groups throughout Australia. Hear about the Dreaming stories that relate to the night sky, and learn about how constellations like the Southern Cross and Orion are seen by Aboriginal Peoples. Tickets are free, but bookings are essential as limited spots are available.
Take the opportunity to ‘make your mark’ on the banner being made for the NAIDOC March held in July, utilising Aboriginal craft items and the community installation activity sourced from Reconciliation Australia. Enjoy bush foods and morning tea provided while having a yarn on the lawn. In close proximity to the newly built Whyalla Yarning Circle, you will also be able to view the space while participating in this event.
Our Port Lincoln study hub will hold a close-knit event for UniSA students, having a Welcome to Country, catered lunch and cultural activity hosted by our team.
TafeSA and UniSA are teaming up to deliver an event for students, staff and community at the local Ceduna TafeSA Campus. There will be a lunch provided and engaging events being coordinated by Michelle Anderson, UniSA APP Regional Tutor, and local APP students. You can also access the database Ara Irititja and explore old photo collections as part of a ‘Remembering Activity’.
Join us for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by local Aboriginal Elders in our Yarning Circle, an in-house Nunga Screen in the Bob & Gayle Cowan Auditorium, and a game meat tasting with catered lunch and sweets. There will be giant games for all ages and activities throughout the day.
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 workshops, BBQs, film screenings, and other community celebrations.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
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.