Listening and learning

This event is about listening to and learning from indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and artisans in ‘yarning circles’ or other settings chosen by the elders present. Its about working towards cultural change and greater collaboration and sustainable relationships between all people and Country.

Yarning circles

Yarning circles create an opportunity to develop our cultural capacity to listen to and engage respectfully, insightfully and sensitively with indigenous law/lore, teachings, stories and art. They encourage us to recognise indigenous perspectives and to develop our personal and collective understandings of the Sovereignty of Indigenous Knowledge. These circles build our awareness of and respect for the land and for its custodians.

While participating

In this spirit, we ask, that while participating in this event, you agree to have respectful interactions, to honour and appreciate difference, to recognise yarning circles as inclusive places where we can share our strengths and insights. We invite you to be open and honest, to listen deeply, to acknowledge the wisdom of others, and to offer your own knowledge and wisdom appropriately in turn.

Whose country do you live on?

To introduce yourself correctly, at the start of a yarning circle, please give your name and the country you live on – for example: Bundjalung, Kamilaroi, Dharug, etc. – as well as your place of birth. Please acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging.