Now in its 22nd year, the festival is an opportunity to create a new relationship and understanding between the wider Australian community and the original people of this land.
If you want to get an insight into the culture of our indigenous people, the Gai-mariagal Festival is a great opportunity. This year, the festival theme, “Truth telling…. for our elders”, invites the community to commemorate and celebrate together, converse and walk side by side towards reviewing and renewing our future together.
Festival chairs are Susan Moylan-Coombs, a Gurindji Woolwonga woman, and co-chair Caroline Glass-Pattison. Susan tells North Shore Living that: “Both Caroline and I have devoted our time to share culture and knowledge with the wider Australian community to build relationship locally to create change for future generations.
“It’ a passion project and continues to create connection between individuals, families and community as well as connecting people to country on which they live, work and play.
See below for a range of activities on the North Shore.
(Re)telling: Stories of Country and Truth
Art Space, The Concourse, Chatswood
15 June to 9 July | Free
(Re)telling: Stories of Country and Truth is an exhibition which brings together emerging and established Aboriginal artists from around Australia. There will be a variety of mediums on show including photography, sculpture and weaving. Using visual storytelling from artists including Dennis Golding and Virginia Keft, the exhibition will highlight the deep connections to place, while weaving narratives of Country and ‘truth telling’ through a First Nation lens.
Karen Smith history talk
The Creator Space, Chatswood Library
Thursday 22 June 6-7pm | Free
Karen Smith is the Education Officer of the Aboriginal Heritage Office and she will share her knowledge and experience of the local area and Aboriginal history and culture. Karen is from the Buruberongal clan of the Hawkesbury (Derrubin) area, and her family has been living in Manly for a number of years.
Experience Bushtucker
North Sydney Community Centre,
1 July | $45
Experience a hands-on bushtucker experience with Bush to Bowl, an Aboriginal-owned social enterprise. Learn how to use bush plants in everyday cooking with an informative bushtucker talk and cooking demonstration. You’ll be able to use these ingredients in delicious sweet and savoury recipes. You’ll even be able to purchase plants on the day and start cooking in your own kitchen without delay. bushtobowl.com.
‘Kadul’ Ryka Ali performance
Mosman Library
6 July | Free
Ryka Ali, known as ‘Kadul,’ will engage the audience by performing songs and dances from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Kadul’s show will feature unique Australian animals such as the kangaroo and emu and attendees will also enjoy a performance on the didgeridoo. This engaging and educational show is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.
Aunty Time @ Mosman Youth Centre
Wednesday 21, 28 June, 4-5.30pm
Wednesday 5 July, 3-4.30pm (School holidays session) | Free
High school aged young people can join festival organisers Aunty Suzie and Aunty Caroline for a series of wellbeing and creative workshops. Young people can learn about First Nations culture, education, and social and emotional wellbeing in a safe and inclusive space. Free pizza included. Registration for this event is recommended and can be completed through the festival website. Sign up now and let them know your favourite pizza too.
By Aoife Moynihan