The last week of May was National Reconciliation Week in Australia, 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.
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
Cadigal was delighted to attend various NRW 2024 events and pop-ups throughout the week around the Sydney CBD.
On Tuesday 28th May, our team had the pleasure of witnessing Uncle Brendan Kerin, an Arrernte and Barkindji Elder & member of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, performing stories on his yidaki at Brookfield Place. He discussed the Stolen Generation, and the many accurate indigenous names for the more widely known ‘didgeridoo’.
On Wednesday 29th May, we attended an aerial performance at Quay Quarter Tower by Legs On The Wall theatre company. First Nation dancers Tamara Bouman and Joshua Doctor were accompanied by acclaimed musician William Barton, performing ‘Now and Ever’ suspended 20 metres in the air.
On Friday 31st May, we observed a performance by The Brolga Dance Academy at World Square. Brolga’s performers told stories through dance of both past and present cultural experiences, and of the three verses typically performed in Indigenous dance – one each for their elders, their ancestors and themselves.
We thank the First Australian performers for their time throughout NRW, and look forward to continuing our reconciliation efforts ‘Now More Than Ever’.