We had a busy NAIDOC week with stalls at two celebrations.
The weather was not good for the The Next Generation – For Youth By Youth 2025 event at Boomanulla Oval on 10 July, but it was great to see many young people braving the wind and rain to enjoy the music and stalls. Here are Murray and Michele at our stall.
We also had a stall at the NAIDOC in the North event at Belconnen Arts Centre on 12 July. This is the 10th year of NAIDOC in the North, and a special exhibition at Belconnen Arts Centre has photos capturing the performance, creativity and community that the event has brought together.
Jumbunna Institute report released
The challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT were highlighted at the end of July, when the ACT Government released the the Jumbunna Institute’s final report of its Independent Review into the Over-Representation of First Nations People in the ACT Criminal Justice System.
The review contains 99 recommendations that span across the spectrum of ACT Government, including corrective services, community supports, policing, courts and sentencing, the administration of bail, youth justice, child protection, and education. Read more in this ABC News article ACT Indigenous Justice System Over-Representation Review and the ACT Government media release Government releases important review into the Over-Representation of First Nations People in the ACT Criminal Justice System.
This is a very valuable report highlighting a wide range of concerns, with clear recommendations. ANTaR ACT will join with other advocates to ensure the ACT Government commits to changes and follows through to address the many issues identified.
ANTaR ACT Organising Group
The next meeting of the ANTaR ACT organising group will be at 6pm on Monday 11 August, on Zoom, as we are meeting online over winter. If you would like to join us and be involved in our ongoing advocacy and actions, please RSVP to: info@antaract.org.au.
Events coming up
Deadly Dialogues: Bringing Them Home Oration with Kutcha Edwards
Wednesday 6 August, 6-7pm, National Library of Australia Theatre
The Bringing Them Home Oral History project ran between 1998 and 2002. The project was established by the Library in response to the first recommendation of Bringing Them Home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1997. Australians from across the nation told us their experiences of the laws and policies which created the Stolen Generations. In commemoration of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who found the strength to share their stories, the Library invites you to join us for our next Deadly Dialogue event, the Inaugural Bringing Them Home Oration with Kutcha Edwards.
For more information and bookings (free event): www.library.gov.au/whats-on/events/deadly-dialogues-bringing-them-home-oration-kutcha-edwards.
Kevin Gilbert: Closing event film screening
Friday 8 August, 5.30-6.30pm, Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Join Ellie Gilbert, family members and friends for a video compilation of Kevin Gilbert’s clarity when asserting of First Nations’ sovereignty and the critical importance of Sovereign Treaty(ies) under international law and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
For more information and registration (free, bookings required): www.tickettailor.com/events/tuggeranongartscentre/1794385.
On Country tour: Black Mountain
Saturday 6 September, 10am-12noon, Black Mountain
Through his company Thunderstone, Ngunawal Traditional Custodian Tyronne Bell runs workshops so Canberrans can learn about Ngunawal language and country. The list of upcoming public workshops and tours is available at: www.thunderstone.net.au/book-online.
Following the tracks and service trails of Black Mountain, Tyronne will interpret the mountain’s changing landscape since ancient times. Highlights: Aboriginal interpretation of the landscape, bush foods, artefacts/stone tools and their traditional uses, panoramic views of Canberra.
For more information and bookings: www.thunderstone.net.au/service-page/black-mt-tour-6-sep-10am-12pm.
The Chosen Vessel
Friday 8 – Sunday 24 August, various times, The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, City West
A young Aboriginal woman, made a mother against her will, lives in the bush, surrounded by Country she knows and respects, even if she’s not quite sure how she came to be there. One day a white Swagman arrives, asking for food and water, and her fears about the ‘white’ ghosts who occupy the land begin to take hold. From award-winning Palawa playwright Dylan Van Den Berg comes this bold new adaptation of Barbara Baynton’s The Chosen Vessel. In this alternate version of Baynton’s Australian classic story, we’re asked to reflect on what we choose to see – and what we wilfully ignore. Kalkadoon woman Abbie-lee Lewis directs this gothic horror featuring outstanding actors Meriam/Badulaig woman Laila Thaker and Craig Alexander.
For more information and bookings: www.thestreet.org.au/shows/chosen-vessel.
Stiff Gins
Friday 12 September, 6.30pm, Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Civic
Stiff Gins, featuring Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson, form a powerful musical duo. Their fourth studio album “Crossroads” marks the 25-year career point for Australia’s longest-performing all-female First Nations band. It also reaffirms the band’s status as Matriarchal pioneers in the Australian Blak music scene.
For more information and bookings: www.smithsalternative.com/events/stiff-gins-91821?d=12%2F09%2F2025+6%3A30%3A00+PM.
Yuma Yarn Workshop
Sunday 14 September, 2-4pm, DiversityACT, Kambah
Learn, step by step, basic coil weaving techniques while enjoying wonderful live music. This yarning workshop is open to anyone – no experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Wiradjiri artist Rechelle Turner will introduce you to the joyful meditative practice of slow-stitched coiled weaving. Using raffia, she will help you to master making a center and growing and shaping your own coiled piece. As you weave, Murawari musician Belle Whyte will perform, sharing her cultural stories along with Rechelle.
For more information and bookings (required, cost $10): https://tuggeranongarts.com/rechelle-turner-amp-belinda-white-yuma-yarn-2025/.
Exhibitions
True: Kevin Gilbert 1933 – 1993
Exhibition open to 9 August, Tuggeranong Arts Centre
An exhibition of prints and poetry by Kevin Gilbert, that recalls the artist, the writer and the activist, beginning in what would have been his 92nd year. Celebrate his life and art with images and poetry created during his lifetime along with some works editioned for the first time.
For more information (free exhibition): https://tuggeranongarts.com/true-kevin-gilbert-1933-1993-13-jun-9-aug/.
Rechelle Turner & Megan Daley | From Country exhibition
Exhibition open to 9 August, Tuggeranong Arts Centre
A collaborative art exhibition by Megan Daley (Ngunnawal/Wiradjuri) and Rechelle Turner (Wiradjuri) that delves into their deep-rooted connection to Country and the timeless stories it holds. The exhibition is a continuation of their artistic partnership and the vision behind their emerging fashion label, Corella & Crow, which celebrates the resilience and beauty of Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri cultures. Through textiles, storytelling, and visual art, From Country invites audiences to experience the layers of heritage, identity, and belonging that inspire Megan and Rechelle’s creative journey, honouring the landscapes, wisdom, and spirit of country that shape and sustain their work.
For more information (free exhibition): https://tuggeranongarts.com/rechelle-turner-megan-daley-from-country-13-jun-9-aug/.
Fulcrum
Exhibition open to 10 August, Canberra Glassworks, Main Gallery
Walgalu/Wiradjuri artist Aidan Hartshorn explores the ongoing colonial disruptions to Walgalu connections with the land. Using industrial glass and elements, the exhibition reflects his journey of crafting cultural objects while examining the degradation of his ancestral landscape.
For more information, see: https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-3/. To RSVP to opening event: https://events.humanitix.com/exhibition-opening-of-aidan-hartshorn.
Yawarj Mara – Strong Pathways Arts Collective/ Footsteps Through Country/ Home
To 24 August, Belconnen Arts Centre
These three exhibitions at the Belconnen Arts Centre present the work of local First Nations Artists.
Yawarj Mara – Strong Pathways Arts Collective – Megan Daley, Maurice Shipp, Narelle Hutchings and other local Aboriginal community members engaged in Yerrabi Yurwang community focused programs. Creative Arts is a core element of our programs, and this exhibition showcases a variety of mediums including art, pottery, weavings etc. that have been created or designed by local Aboriginal people. Including pottery created in collaboration with Strathairn Arts through our Women’s Circle.
Footsteps Through Country Jazz and Kristal Matthews – Wilay Designs – This exhibition is a celebration of connection, growth and the strength found in culture, community and Country. Each artwork shares a personal and collective journey – shaped by Country, guided by our Old People and inspired by lived experiences filled with learning, strength and care.
Home – Dominika Cady, Shawnah Cady, Hannah Langford, Eva-Lee Williams – Presented by Yurauna CIT Cultural Arts Students, “Home” explores the varied and deeply personal meanings of the word, through the eyes of four aspiring student artists.
For more information, see: www.belcoarts.com.au/exhibitions/.
Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa
To 29 March 2026, Level 1, Gallery 15, National Gallery of Australia
Kulata Tjuta is an ongoing cultural maintenance project that shares the skills of carving and making the punu kulata (wooden spear) across generations. Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa is the largest and most significant installation of the culturally important and visually spectacular Kulata Tjuta (Many Spears) Project. Like others in the series, it is rooted in age-old traditions, knowledge and skills that are designed around keeping Country and culture strong. The artistic outcomes take the form of large-scale, multi-disciplinary installations which incorporate film, sound, live performance and other artistic collaborations.
For more information, see: https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/kulata-tjuta-tirkilpa/.
ANTaR ACT acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Canberra is situated, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We also acknowledge other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may visit this area.