Giyi Para – the convening of a gathering

Giyi Para – the convening of a gathering

For thousands of generations First People in our country have gathered in a continuing practice of coming together to share knowledge, celebrate country, and strengthen ongoing relationships.

In the spirit of this continued gathering practice, The Wollotuka Institute, in partnership with Newcastle Writers Festival, invites you to an evening of community, corroboree and celebration.

5.00pm-5.30pm The Way of the Ancestors
In the book Spirit of Place, Wonnarua elder Uncle Warren Taggart, in collaboration with photographers Carol Carter and Allan Chawner, documents culturally significant Aboriginal sites in the Hunter Valley. Much of Uncle Warren’s knowledge has come from stories told to him by his father and while visiting sites that his ancestral family has inhabited. He will speak about his personal cultural journey and the value of collaboration. Hosted by Faye Neilson.

5.40pm to 5.55pm A performance by poet and storyteller Rob Waters.
Rob is a Gomeroi man with deep cultural connections to the North West of NSW. He is a proud father and grandfather and now lives with his partner on Darkinjung country. He has been performing and sharing Story for more than 20 years.

6.00pm to 6.40pm The Last Daughter
When she was two years old, Brenda Matthews and her siblings were taken from their parents. For the next five years she was a much-loved daughter in a white family, unaware of the existence of her Aboriginal family or how hard her parents were fighting for her return. Then, suddenly, she was reunited with her birth family, the last daughter to come home. Decades later, Brenda searched for her foster family and her beloved white sister. Brenda speaks to Victoria Haskins about her journey to discover the truth about her past – and unite two families.

6.40pm to 7.00pm BBQ (Food available at no cost)

7.00pm to 7.40pm Big Sky
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the oldest scientists in human history. Sophisticated astronomical expertise embedded within the Dreamtime and Songlines is interwoven into a deep understanding of changes on the land, such as weather patterns and seasonal shifts, that are integral to knowledge of time, food availability, and ceremony. Krystal De Napoli and Duane Hamacher explore the ways in which Australia’s First People encode scientific information in their traditions and how they pass this knowledge to successive generations. Hosted by Dr Cara Cross.

7.45pm to 8.15pm
Dance to close
Tickets $10
Free for those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander but booking is required for catering purposes.