We are sending this April bulletin out early to give you notice of events coming up early in the month, including the the ANTaR ACT April book discussion – all are welcome and there is no need to have read the book first, though great if you can.
Even before April, the National Folk Festival starts on 29 March, running to 2 April, at Exhibition Park in Canberra. It includes some great Indigenous musicians: Alice Skye (a young singer/songwriter and Wergaia woman), Dhapanbal Yunupingu (one of six daughters of the lead singer of Yothu Yindi, Dr Yunupingu, singing in English and Yolngu Matha), Gina Williams (sharing a new album of songs in Noongar language), Joe Geia (singer/songwriter, guitarist and didgeridoo player, who came to prominence as part of No Fixed Address), and Indigenous artist poet and didgeridoo player, Peter Swain, joining with Johnny Peasant and the Awesome. http://folkfestival.org.au/
Too Deadly – April read and discuss event
We are very excited that authors from Us Mob Writing will be joining us in April to discover and discuss their recent compilation: Too Deadly.
Wednesday 11 April, 7-9 pm, Belconnen Arts Centre
Please register if you are interested – helps us with estimating numbers and for contact if any changes (as happened in March when we had a last minute venue change) – email info@antaract.org.au or call 0406 052 339.
“Too Deadly” is a fitting title for this powerful and diverse collection of First Nations writings. Offerings include prose and narrative poetry; flash fiction, fiction and creative non-fiction; and life writing. The writers gathered bring to the fore evocative snippets from the many different nations of Indigenous Australia; the themes range from the personal to the political – the big and the small picture leap off the page.
Series information: https://antaract.org.au/2018/02/21/aboriginal-authors-read-and-discuss-events/
Book information and order form: https://actwritersblog.com/2017/11/30/us-mob-launch-of-too-deadly-and-act-leadership-book/
Also: ANTaR ACT monthly meeting
The next monthly ANTaR ACT meeting will be on Monday 9 April, at 6pm, in King O’Malleys. This is a week later than usual due to the Easter holiday. Chris Bourke will be joining us again to provide an update from the Uluru Statement Working Group. Come along to find out more about the working group and other events in Canberra. Any queries email info@antaract.org.au.
A research agenda for our time
Wednesday 11 April, 9.45am – 4.00pm, Australian National University
The Australian National University, Canberra will host the second of four seminars presenting the Aboriginal Affairs NSW research agenda 2018-2023. Bringing together the key contributors to the research agenda, the seminar provides an opportunity for you to hear about the policy and research findings of their work and to discuss research implications.
The seminar is open to students, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and community members interested in Aboriginal affairs policy reform in NSW. Together with Aboriginal communities, the research and policy communities will be critical in delivering the evidence and policy that supports Aboriginal communities and the NSW Government to determine what works, what’s worth trying and what success looks like.
For more information, the full program and to register: https://www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/news/a-research-agenda-for-our-time-seminar-11th-april-2018
Great musicians at the Canberra Theatre
Dan Sultan
Saturday 28 April, 6.30pm, Canberra Theatre Centre Forecourt (The Spiegeltent)
Leaving his incredible band at home, the Killer Solo Tour will see the Melbourne musician strip things back to basics – just Dan Sultan, his piano and guitar.
More information and bookings: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/dan-sultan/
Gawurra
Friday 4 May, 6.30pm, Canberra Theatre Centre Forecourt (The Spiegeltent)
Gawurra Gaykamangu is a Yolngu professional performing artist hailing from Milingimbi (Yurrwi), North East Arnhem Land. With an emotional and resonant voice, Gawurra’s performances deliver a masterful musical sensitivity.
More information and bookings: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/gawurra/
Archie Roach and Tiddas
Sunday 26 May, 8pm, The Playhouse
Across the 90s, Tiddas won the hearts of the nation and the world with their beautiful harmonies and songs. Now the trio, Amy Saunders, Lou Bennett and Sally Dastey, are back on stage to support the unearthing of Roach’s album Dancing With My Spirit – recorded over two decades ago by producer Jen Anderson. Circumstances at the time saw the demo shelved and virtually forgotten, until now.
More information and bookings: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/archie-roach-and-tiddas/
Winnunga’s 30th birthday celebrations
Saturday 12 May, 10am to 2pm, Winnunga, 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah
Winnunga are extending an invitation to join them to celebrate their 30th birthday. There will be food and entertainment for all ages.
As they will be dedicating significant time and resources to this important community event, Winnunga will not be hosting the Annual Sorry Day Bridge Walk this year.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service (AHS) is an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the ACT. In Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means Strong Health. The service logo is the Corroboree Frog which is significant to Aboriginal people in the ACT.
Our aim is to provide a culturally safe, holistic health care service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the ACT and surrounding regions. The holistic health care provided by Winnunga Nimmityjah AHS includes not only medical care, but a range of programs to promote good health and healthy lifestyles.
Lustre: Pearling and Australia
23 February to 22 July, First Australians Focus Gallery
Lustre: Pearling & Australia delves into the gritty human story of pearling, weaving together Aboriginal, Asian and European histories to reveal insights into one of Australia’s oldest industries.
Lustre was developed by the Western Australian Museum in partnership with Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Broome’s Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation.
http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/lustre-pearling-and-australia