After our brief update earlier in the month, here is our regular monthly newsletter, including events touching on First Nations culture, issues and experiences in the next couple of months. In particular, there are many interesting events with First Nations writers and storytellers as part of the Canberra Writers Festival in October.
Also in October will be our annual David Hunter Memorial Lecture. On Thursday 22 October, Travis Lovett will speak on the theme ‘Truth and the Nation We All Share‘. This year the lecture will be at a different venue – Canberra Baptist Church, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston. Refreshments served from 5.15 pm in the hall, lecture to commence at 6.00pm in the Church. The lecture will also be available on YouTube. For more details, see DHML 2026: Truth and the Nation We All Share.
ANTaR ACT Organising Group
The next meeting of the ANTaR ACT organising group will be on Monday 12 October, 6pm, in person at the Friends Meeting House, corner of Bent and Condamine Streets, Turner. If you would like to join us and be involved in our ongoing advocacy and actions, please contact us info@antaract.org.au.
National Allyship Summit
Allies for Uluru, including ANTAR (ANTaR ACT’s parent body), are hosting the 2nd National Allyship Summit in partnership with the Uluru Dialogue and the University of NSW.
This event will take place on Friday, 18 September 2026 at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. If you are unable to attend in person, you can sign up to attend online.
“Redefining Allyship“, will be the theme for the day and will focus on re-engaging our network, sharing insights on the current landscape, exploring what meaningful allyship looks like in the post-referendum environment, and identifying opportunities for coordinated action moving forward.
The Summit will bring together members of the Allies for Uluru network from across business, civil society, philanthropy, education and community organisations for a national conversation on the future of allyship.
Find our more and register here: https://alliesforuluru.antar.org.au/national-allyship-summit-2026.
Events Coming Up
Imperialism and Resistance: Australia’s First Wars
Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September, Australian War Memorial Theatre
From the colonial frontiers of Australia to the South African veldt, Australia’s first wars were fought across the expanses of the British Empire.
Imperialism and Resistance: Australia’s First Wars is a two-day conference that brings together authors, historians, and curators to reflect on the Australian Frontier Wars and Australia’s earliest overseas military commitments to the British Empire.
Speakers will explore Australia’s nineteenth-century military history, with presentations on the Frontier Wars, the mid-century New Zealand Wars, and colonial deployments to Sudan, China, and the South African (Boer) War.
For more information and registration: https://www.awm.gov.au/imperialism-and-resistance.
Rechelle Turner & Wallabindi | Yuma Yarn
Saturday 19 September, 2-4pm, Tharwa Community Hall, North St, Tharwa
Learn the joyful, meditative practice of slow-stitched coiled weaving in a relaxed and conversational environment with wonderful live music.
Wiradjiri artist Rechelle Turner will guide you through the process of stitching and shaping your own coiled piece using raffia. As your hands work, enjoy rich and soulful music by Wallabindi – a Wardandi Bibbulmun Noongar, Yamatji and Burmese singer and songwriter.
By the end of the workshop, you will have the start of a coiled piece to take home and continue growing using the techniques you have learnt. All are welcome – no experience is required and materials will be provided.
For more information and bookings (required): https://tuggeranongarts.com/yuma-yarn-2026/.
How are we going with Indigenous-led solutions? LOCAL Politics in the Pub
Monday 21 September, 5.30pm for 6pm start, Irish Club, 6 Parkinson St, Weston
It’s been two years since the last ACT election, and two years since the joint ANTAR ACT/Active Democracy Bean campaign Beyond the Talk – Indigenous-led Solutions NOW!
MC Jess Whaler will facilitate a conversation with three First Nations Leaders – Kim Davison, Natalie Brown and Paula McGrady – about what’s changed and what needs to change.
More information and registration (free but registration preferred): https://events.humanitix.com/how-are-we-going-with-indigenous-led-solutions.
Book launch: Fighting for Country
Wednesday 23 September, 6pm-7.30pm, National Library of Australia Theatre & online
Join author James Saunders as he discusses his new book, Fighting for Country, detailing the extraordinary life of his uncle, Reginald Saunders, Australia’s first Indigenous military officer.
More than the story of Reg’s military career, Fighting for Country is also the story of his family and his people, and of Reg’s postwar life of struggle and service. James has drawn on military archives and family records to bring this incredible story to life – a masterful account of this courageous and inspirational Australian legend.
For more information and to register for in person or online attendance: https://www.library.gov.au/whats-on/events/book-launch-fighting-country.
Public Economics Forum – Truth-telling and Reconciliation
Thursday 24 September, 11am-1pm, National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Why Truth-telling and reconciliation is a ‘must’ for Indigenous economic empowerment
Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap commit all tiers of government to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on policies that affect their wellbeing. Yet, as the 2024 Productivity Commission Review made clear, governments at all levels have struggled to share power in practice.
In this Public Economics Forum, we explore emerging evidence from an eight-year study examining how Australia’s colonial past continues to shape relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The research finds that communities exposed to historical frontier violence remain more divided along racial lines today, with greater resistance to Indigenous self-determination.
The panel will discuss how Truth-telling and reconciliation, alongside deep listening and community-level healing, can help build trust and support Indigenous economic empowerment.
For more information and bookings (cost applies, includes lunch): https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/events-folder/conferences/2026/public-economics-forum-truth-telling-and-reconciliation
Book launch: Contaminated Country
Thursday 24 September, 6-7pm, Paperchain Bookstore, Griffith
Hear Jessica Urwin, author of Contaminated Country: Nuclear Colonialism and Aboriginal Resistance in Australia, in conversation with Ruth Morgan.
During the twentieth century Australia was embroiled in the military and civilian nuclear programs of numerous global powers. From uranium extraction to weapons testing, Australia’s lands became sites of imperial exploitation under the guise of national development and was subject to rampant nuclear colonialism. Aboriginal communities, bearing the brunt of these processes, persistently resisted, reclaiming their rights to Country and demanding reparations.
As Jessica Urwin shows, extraction, testing and waste disposal have caused incalculable physical, spiritual, and cultural harm to Aboriginal communities and lands. Tracking the colonial mechanisms Australia used to pursue nuclear industry, Urwin simultaneously highlights how Aboriginal peoples rejected and reshaped those same mechanisms. Contaminated Country reveals how Australia’s nuclear past has been entangled with colonialism locally, nationally, and internationally.
For more information and bookings (free but space limited): https://events.humanitix.com/jessica-urwin-at-paperchain
Tasting Australia: Feast of Flowers with Adam Shipp presented by the National Museum of Australia
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, multiple sessions, The Garden House by Bunnings Warehouse, Commonwealth Park (Floriade)
Tasting Australia with Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp is a seasonal cultural experience inspired by the National Museum’s Christina and Trevor Kennedy Garden. This year Adam is bringing the experience to Floriade, where participants can enjoy the spirit of Australia’s native ingredients and First Nations knowledge in a vibrant spring setting.
Celebrating the Feast of Flowers, this one-hour workshop explores the connections between people, plants and food through a curated tasting and storytelling experience. Guests will discover Australian native plants, their traditional uses, cultural significance and role in everyday life while engaging in sensory exploration and shared learning.
For more information and bookings (required, cost applies): https://floriadeaustralia.com/program/tasting-australia/.
On Country tour: Black Mountain
Sunday 27 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, an Aboriginal guide 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-27-september-10am-12pm.
Jessica Mauboy: The Story of Me
Saturday 3 October, 7.30pm, Canberra Theatre
Join Jessica Mauboy for a deeply personal and unforgettable evening in The Story of Me: A Musical Journey Through My Career.
Through music and candid storytelling, Jessica reflects on her extraordinary evolution from a young Darwin girl to one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. For the first time, she opens up about the defining moments of her career, the highs, the setbacks, and the resilience it took to keep moving forward. For one night only, this intimate performance offers a rare glimpse into Jessica Mauboy as an artist, entrepreneur, and proud Indigenous woman.
For more information and bookings: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/jessica-mauboy-2026/.
The Russell Taylor Oration 2026 – Guest Speaker: Julie-Ann Guivarra
Thursday 8 October, 12noon – 1.30pm, national livestream
Drawing on a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, international relations, public policy and Indigenous affairs, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) CEO Julie-Ann Guivarra brings a unique perspective shaped by experience across communities, government and the international stage. Her address will be followed by a live Q&A.
For more information and registration: https://aiatsis.gov.au/whats-new/events/russell-taylor-oration-2026.
Yerrabi Yurwang & The World’s Biggest Sit In
Monday 12 October, 9.15am-11am, Yarramundi Cultural Centre, 245 Lady Denman Drive, Acton
Join Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation as they take part in The World’s Biggest Sit In, an accessible 30-minute seated workout designed to build cardio fitness, strength and balance, while encouraging people to think differently about how they move.
Yerrabi Yurwang will be joining people across Australia as part of the world record attempt for the largest seated workout ever held. After the Sit In, stick around for a relaxed morning tea and time with community.
For more information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/the-worlds-biggest-sit-in.
Canberra Writers Festival
Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October, various venues
The Canberra Writers Festival celebrates books, ideas and storytelling, bringing writers and thinkers together with audiences from Canberra and beyond. Below are some of the events featuring First Nations writers and storytellers. https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/
- The Legend of Reg Saunders
Saturday 17 October, 11.45am, National Archives of Australia
Hear about the remarkable life of Captain Reg Saunders, Australia’s first Indigenous commissioned officer, from his nephew James Saunders and eldest daughter Aunty Glenda Humes. In 1940, a 19-year-old Reg Saunders walked into an enlistment office in Victoria. It was the beginning of an extraordinary journey that took Reg across three continents and two wars – WW2 and Korea. They will join Craig Cormick in a conversation that not only spans Reg’s military career but also speaks of his family and people – the Gunditjmara of Western Victoria – and the power of his legacy.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/the-legend-of-reg-saunders/ - Deadly Science, Deadly Storytelling
Saturday 17 October, 1.30pm, Icon Water Festival Lawn
First Nations children’s authors play a vital role in creating books that reflect and celebrate Indigenous cultures, families and communities. This literature serves to nurture First Nations children’s cultural identities and pride and shares this with wider audiences as well. Join Corey Tutt and Marly Wells in conversation with fellow First Nations author Lisa Fuller as they explore the importance of sharing the resilience and enduring strength of First Nations cultures through fabulous stories and histories that simply deserve to be told and celebrated with readers everywhere! In partnership with AIATSIS. Recommended ages: 12+.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/deadly-science-deadly-storytelling/ - Earth, Nature, Country
Saturday 17 October, 2.30pm, Smith Alternative
Poetry speaks to us like no other written form. This is an afternoon of words – a chance to hear local poets ripple and flow alongside artists from interstate. Expect hymns to the elements, discordant notes of rhythms askew, laments for all we’ve lost and fierce expression of love for nature. Local First Nations poets Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello and Paul Collis join Lizz Murphy and Andrew Geoffrey Kwabena Moss and, from interstate, Johanna Bell and Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes, with host Martin Dolan. In partnership with That Poetry Thing at Smith’s Alternative.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/earth-nature-country/ - Book Launch: Before It Was Called Science
Sunday 18 October, 10.00am, Level 4, National Library of Australia
Did you know that the First Scientists invented sustainable ways of carrying food and water, unlike the single-use plastics and packaging we see today? Or that the First Scientists could remove salt from seawater? Bestselling author Corey Tutt is back to share more incredible stories of how Australia’s First Peoples practised science long before it carried that name. Join Corey in conversation with Questacon’s Director Jo White and Mind in Residence Hans Bachelor, for the release of his new book Before It Was Called Science, which follows his groundbreaking children’s book The First Scientists. Recommended ages: 7-12
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/book-launch-before-it-was-called-science/ - The Elders
Sunday 18 October, 10.00am, Liangis Theatre, National Portrait Gallery
Dan Bourchier has been on a journey to listen and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across Australia. Join Dan Bourchier, Ian Hamm and Dana Morse as they reflect and honour Elders’ stories. This will be a special conversation of truth-telling and celebration of First Nations’ knowledge and leadership.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/the-elders/ - The First Inventors
Sunday 18 October, 11.45am, Activity Room, National Archives of Australia
Join us for an adventure into deep history to discover how Indigenous knowledge shaped the Australian continent. We’ll journey through astronomy, firestick farming, international trade and open-sea navigation. Our expert panel of Lynette Russell, Billy Griffiths, Sean Ulm and Craig Cormick will distil what they’ve learnt by honouring old ways of knowing and working together on cutting-edge collaborative research. In partnership with AIATSIS.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/the-first-inventors/ - Indigenous Futurisms
Sunday 18 October, 1.30pm, Liangis Theatre, National Portrait Gallery
First Nations speculative fiction takes us to other realms and distant planets while tackling home truths. This panel will talk celebrating diverse worldviews, surviving and thriving beyond apocalypse, reframing timelines (and time) and much more. An event for those that revel in the art of world building across science fiction, fantasy and mystery. Join First Nations panellists John Morrissey, Jacob K Gallagher and Lisa Fuller as they fly us to amazing places and ask big questions about the future. In partnership with AIATSIS.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/indigenous-futurisms/ - Writing the Bush, Writing the Ocean
Sunday 18 October, 1.30pm, Function Room, National Archives of Australia
Nature can reveal character. It can be the life force behind tender and unflinching writing about relationships with each other and ourselves. Join First Nations author Lulu Houdini with Inga Simpson and Ilka Tampke as they surround us with words of nature and help us see our world and place within it. Let’s find the through lines, rivers that remember and the bush that hums with life to restore both land and ourselves.
https://canberrawritersfestival.com.au/program/writing-the-bush-writing-the-ocean/
Commemoration of the life of Ju.nin.mingku
Saturday 17 October, 12pm, Corroboree Park, Ainslie
You are warmly invited to join a commemoration 200 years since the birth of Ju.nin,mingku, also known as Nannie. She was the daughter of Nadya Ngambri and James Ainslie and the first child of Ngambri and Anglo heritage born on Ngambri Country — the beginning of a shared story on the Limestone Plains. BYO food and refreshments.
For more information about Ju Nin Mingo’s life, see: https://heritage.hall.act.au/display/1939/person/2191/ju-nin-mingo.html. To attend, please RSVP to Shane Mortimer: ngambri@y7mail.com.
Exhibitions
Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
To Sunday 11 October, Level 1, Exhibition Gallery, National Library of Australia
Papunya is a remote Aboriginal community in the Western Desert region of the Northern Territory, and the birthplace of the internationally known Western Desert art movement. Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre (PLPC) produced hundreds of Pintupi-Luritja bilingual books guided by the community’s Elders, among them pioneers of the Western Desert Art movement. The illustrated books were produced as literacy tools for local schoolchildren and tell stories of first contact, Dreamings, community life, plants, animals and more. Some are funny and wildly creative. Others are moving, dramatic and extraordinary.
‘Wangka Wakaṉutja’ is Pintupi-Luritja for ‘the story has been told’.
For more information, see: www.library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/wangka-wakanutja.
Anengkerr-penh/From the Dreaming
Gallery of First Australians, National Museum of Australia
Anengkerr-penh/From the Dreaming explores the work and legacy of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri/Peltharr, an Anmatyerr man, ceremonial leader and one of Australia’s most significant artists.
For more information, see: www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/anengkerr-penh-from-the-dreaming.
ANTaR ACT acknowledges 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.