Aboriginal Way
Aboriginal Way
Sharing the voices of Traditional Owners & their enduring connection to Country
How State Records SA can help you
State Records of South Australia was the country's first service of its kind when it was established more than 100 years ago in 1919. State Records SA has an Aboriginal Reference Group and specific Aboriginal access services, which include Aboriginal access officers. These services can help you find your Aboriginal family history through culturally sensitive archival records. They can specifically assist members of the Stolen Generations in identifying and becoming reunited with members of the
Bangarra bring light to WOMAD
Bangarra Dance Theatre are bringing a new cross-cultural
collaboration to audiences around the country with ‘The Light Inside’, a joint-choreographed piece with leading Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson.
The project is a collaborative piece created by Patterson
and Bangarra’s Deborah Brown, working together to honour their respective mother countries and the spirit that calls them home.
Brown is a proud descendent of the Wakaid Clan and Meriam
people in the Torres Strait and has cra
Reconciliation SA calls for change of date
Reconciliation SA have called for the date of the annual Australia Day celebration on January 26 to be moved, amidst efforts to strive for a more reflective approach to the national holiday.
The date has remained a point of division amongst Australians, with regular debate arising in the lead up.
Rec SA are asking the wider public to consider the viewpoint of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who relate Jan 26 with the dark history of early colonisation.
Jeremy Johncock, a proud Wirang
Gynburra Festival 2025
Gynburra Festival is the largest single Aboriginal Nation event held in Southern Australia.
Last year the family friendly event celebrated its 10th year running, and this year it’s back over two days - this Friday, the 24th and Saturday, 25th January, at Port Victoria on the Garunnda, the Narungga name for the Yorke Peninsula.
Today, we're speaking with Gynburra's founder and Managing Director, Garry Goldsmith.
Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference 2024
The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) held a significant
conference of Elders, rangers, community leaders at Uluru, with over 400 attendees making their way to the biannual event.
The conference celebrated “A Decade of Connection” in reference to the IDA’s past ten years of coordinating these events, with the three-day event running between November 11-14 and containing full-day rosters of workshops.
The IDA was established in (2014?) to facilitate the sharing of lived experience from the vast
First Nations Healing
First Nations Healing (FNH), formerly Nunga Mi:Minar, is a family and domestic violence support service, which recently celebrated 50 years of operating in South Australia.
The rebrand represents a shift in their service delivery, which now includes supporting not only victims but also perpetrators of family and domestic violence.
In this episode, FNH CEO, Olive Bennell, and Strategy, Policy and Partnership Lead, Clinton Bennell, explain the organisation's new name, direction and why we should a
SA Voice addresses parliament
On Wednesday Nov 27, the SA First Nations Voice to
Parliament gave its inaugural address to the South Australian Parliament.
The historic address was given in the Legislative Council Chamber at Parliament House, with Presiding Member Leeroy Bilney speaking on behalf of the collective members of the SA Voice.
So far, the Voice has provided feedback on government
legislation relating to early childhood development and preventative health, and is set to provide formal contribution to the royal comm
Kangaroo Island's First Ever Cultural Tour
The first-ever cultural tour on Kangaroo Island is now up and running.
Ngarrindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie’s tourism company, Kool Tours has teamed up with SeaLink Kangaroo Island for the tour, which will respectfully share the unique culture and history of KI, or Nurrungaui as it is known to the Ngarrindjeri people.
It’s proving to be a year of growth for Kool Tours. The company was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame at the South Australian Tourism Awards after winning gold medals there for
From the bush to Baku for COP 29
Yankunytjatjara woman Karina Lester has just travelled from the APY Lands to Baku, Azerbaijan for the world’s biggest climate change summit – COP 29.
Along with an Indigenous Australian delegation, the traditional owner will share her communities’ concerns and ideas about tackling climate change.
As a second-generation nuclear test survivor, Karina will be advocating against nuclear projects as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Karina Lester is an Aboriginal language expert at the University o
Nunga Week 2024
Held in the second week of November each year, Nunga Week is an annual week of events to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ contributions in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council region.
Nunga Week will be held next week, the 10-16th November this year, and AW went down to Port Adelaide to find out more about it from Rodney Welch, Aboriginal Community Development Lead.
Kauwi Cultural Cruises
Kauwi cultural cruise is a new cultural adventure set to show you a different side of the waters off the southern coast of Kaurna Yerta.
The monthly two-hour cruise is a recent collaboration between Southern Cultural Immersion and Temptations Sailing, who both saw a gap for this offering in Adelaide’s
tourism market.
Southern Cultural Immersion offers cultural experiences right across the city of Adelaide from their base at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, which they manage at Warriparinga.
T
Narungga burns bright
Narungga Nation have continued their efforts to restore
traditional land management processes, holding inclusive workshops for Yorke Peninsula locals who are eager to explore the benefits of burning on Country.
On September 30 and October 1 workshops were held at
Ardrossan and Minlagawi Gum Flat, with Narungga fire practitioners demonstrating controlled burns on site.
The Cultural Burns Education Project has seen the delivering of workshops and the production of
short films to be used on social
First Nations Business Showcase 2024
South Australia's First Nations Business Showcase is back for 2024, bigger and better than ever.
AW spoke to Michael Levin from The Circle about the event.
Coding for Country
Pilot Indigenous coding program Indigi Code has been established for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the hope they will be able to gain future employment and work remotely in the digital space.
Indigi Code, a partnership between programming education provider 42 Adelaide and the Aboriginal Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) Foundation
had its first session at Nguta College in September, with 20 students participating in a week-long course designed for entry-level coders.
T
Successful Native Title Outcome for Nauo
Early last week, on September 23rd, the Nauo people’s final active native title application, Nauo #2, came to a successful conclusion from the Federal Court of
Australia.
Judge Justice O’Bryan handed down his verdict electronically from the Federal Court, giving the Nauo people native title rights and interests over the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula.
Today, we’re speaking with Nauo Co-Chair Michael Miller, who is Co-Chair alongside Danielle James.
Mayibarrdu (Goose Island) returns to Narungga Nation
Mayibarrdu or Goose Island, off the West Coast of the Yorke Peninsula in the Spencer Gulf of South Australia, will return to the hands of its Traditional Owners, the Narungga Nation.
This is following the Federal Court’s March 2023 recognition of the Narungga people as Native Title holders of the whole of the Yorke Peninsula.
The island has been leased exclusively to private school Scotch College since 1966 through the Department of Environment and Water.
Mayiburrdu is a small, rocky island wes
Thomas Mayo: Australia voted "no" - now what?
Many Australians, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, have felt overwhelming disappointment since
Australia voted "no" in the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Nearly a year later, people are looking for a way to move forward from this.
After writing the Voice to Parliament Handbook with journalist Kerry O'Brien in the lead-up to the referendum, respected Indigenous advocate Thomas Mayo has found that people are again looking to him for guidance. He has just publ
Nukunu water release
On August 29, water was released from the Beetaloo Reservoir in an effort to preserve ancient river red gums and assist Nukunu to care for and connect to Country.
They follow trial water releases from the Baroota
Reservoir a couple weeks prior, and similar releases from the Beetaloo and Baroota reservoirs in 2021 and
2022. These releases were in response to community concern about the health of the ancient trees, many of which are estimated to be more than 500 years old.
More than a billion lit
A new peak body for Aboriginal kids
Wakwakurna Kanyini is the new peak body for South Australian Aboriginal children and young people.
Aboriginal Way spoke to Ashum Owen in her first week on the job as the inaugural Chief Executive about her plans for the organisation.
SA Voice update
AW spoke to Voice representative Douglas Clinch Jr about his experience and early expectations in regards to the inaugural SA Voice to Parliament.
Born and raised in the southern suburbs of Adelaide on
Kaurna Country, Mr Clinch has worked in the Aboriginal community sector for over 30 years, including his current role as chair of Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Incorporated.
At time of interview, he was working as a project officer in
the Attorney Generals department and also credits his time workin
Yitpi Yartapuultiku - Setting a New Standard for Aboriginal Cultural Centres
Yitpi Yartapuultiku or “soul of Port Adelaide” in Kaurna language, is a new Aboriginal cultural centre currently under construction on the shores of the Port River, right in the heart of Port Adelaide.
You can see the centre really starting to take shape when driving past or going past on the train. It’s set to open its doors to the public in February 2025—only six months away.
The centre has been a long time in the making, and today, AW is sitting down with Place Leader Rodney Welch, Site Coor
The Aboriginal Diabetes Study
We know there is a higher rate of diabetes amongst Indigenous Australians, but did you know just how high?
Aboriginal people are about three times more likely to suffer from diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians and have a higher rate of complications from the disease.
Aboriginal Australians are also about 4.7 times more likely to die from diabetes than their non-indigenous counterparts.
The Telethon Kids Institute is currently undertaking a community-led study about why there are such high
Coober Pedy dialysis
In a groundbreaking development for the community of Coober Pedy, a new dialysis unit has been established by Purple House, bringing essential healthcare services closer to those in need.Coober Pedy is the first of six facilities announced alongside this funding, with Purple House working on the next five, including a new site at Yalata on the Far West Coast.
The four-chair dialysis unit is the first to open from the Commonwealth’s $73 million package intended for up to 30 facilities to benefit
NAIDOC in the North
This week has seen national NAIDOC week celebrated around the country, with a theme this year of ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak loud and proud!’
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on Earth.
AW went along to Nai
Balya Productions puts First Nations on centre stage
Balya Productions have taken the helm for Yabaardu Festival 2024 and are continuing their important work of providing First Nations representation in connection and event production on a national scale.
Balya is anchored by proud Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning woman, Letisha Ackland, a seasoned festival guru with 15 years of experience helping produce some of the country’s biggest festivals and events.
This years Yabaardu Festival boasts a strong contingent of
First Nations performers from across
Keeping Aboriginal Kids Home and Safe - Part 2
This is the second part of our discussion about the rising number of Aboriginal children and young people being removed from their families right here in South Australia.
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People April Lawrie has put forward 48 findings and 32 recommendations from her Inquiry on this
in the final report Holding on to Our Future.
She discusses her findings, recommendations, and the five changes she says could have a real impact if they were implemented immediately.
I
Keeping Aboriginal Kids Home and Safe - Part 1
Did you know that a growing number of Aboriginal children and young people are being unnecessarily and disproportionately removed from their families and communities in South Australia?
AW speaks to SA's first Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, April Lawrie, about her Inquiry, which has uncovered some shocking statistics.
Some statistics here in South Australia:
Aboriginal children make up just 5.5% of all children
Yet they represent 37.4% of all children in out-of-ho
The Significance of Cultural Burning for the Nukunu People
Nukunu Wapma Thura (Aboriginal Corporation) [NWTAC] recently led a cultural burn at Wilmington alongside Firesticks Alliance, supported by SA Native Title Services.
Nukunu fire practitioners in uniform demonstrated traditional knowledge-sharing principles about the inherent sacredness of fire to the Nukunu People; how it interacts with Nukunu culture and their understanding of traditional ecological and property management.
The two-day workshop, which was held on a parcel of land that was return
National Reconciliation Week
During this week's program we spoke with Reconciliation SA CEO Jason Downs about the not-for-profits involvement with National Reconciliation Week.
The listed events run between May 27 - June 3rd, with the dates commemorating the passing of the 1967 referendum (May 27) and the anniversary of the landmark Mabo decision (June 3).
This year's theme is 'Now More Than Ever', with a focus on expanding reconciliation efforts despite last year's referendum result.
For event details and general inform
Women with Fire
A time of healing, for women and for Country.
Imagine a gathering solely for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from all over Australia to come together in celebration of the unique role they share in caring for Country.
The National Indigenous Women's Fire Workshop, Ngangkirna Kardlatidli: Women with Fire, was recently held on Kaurna land for Indigenous women to share important knowledge they have gathered over generations about safe practices of fire and land management.
Hosted
Kaurna burns again at Wirraparinga
The practice of managing Country with fire has returned to Wirraparinga (Brownhill Creek) on Kaurna Country.
During April, a Firesticks team including Clem Newchurch, Paul Dixon Jr and Quahli Newchurch carried out a cultural burn in an area of Kangaroo Grass at Wirraparinga (Brownhill Creek) for the first time in hundreds
of years.
Among those who attended these significant burns were
involved Kaurna people, community members, students, politicians, and the Governor of South Australia, the Ho
APY Land Rights Act celebrated at Kulilaya
The 40th anniversary of the historic Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Land Rights Act has been acknowledged during the long-awaited Kulilaya Festival at Umuwa.
The event took place on March 24, after facing delays due to the outbreak of COVID, and saw musicians, visual artists and performers present their history and stories through song and dance to commemorate the occasion.
Since putting ink to paper on the self-determining APY Lands Act in 1981, Anangu have held freehold title own
Narungga port consultation
During this program we will be playing a variety of
interviews recorded at Wallaroo during an engagement meeting between Narunga Nation, the
Department of Infrastructure and Transport and global freight company and grain exporter, T-Ports.
We attended the group consultation in order to provide a
picture of what it can look like when companies and departments engage with Traditional Owners on a large scale project.
Across the course of the day we spoke with Narungga leader and traditional owner
George Cooley's landscapes
George Cooley is a senior man and community leader from Coober Pedy. He holds leadership positions across the Umoona and Coober Pedy communities and is a talented artist and opal miner.
He paints the spectacular desert landscapes of the Kaṉku-Breakaways, an area in northern South Australia that figures prominently in the creation stories and sacred songlines of the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara people.
The important site 25km north of Coober Pedy, is known for its spectacular hills, mesas
WOMADelaide: Rob Edwards and Cedric Varcoe
On today's episode we speak with two First Nations artists featuring at WOMADelaide 2024.
First up is Rob Edwards, a talented local artist who uses his gift for music to channel his unique voice and express multi-generational storytelling.
Also featured is Cedric Varcoe, a renowned Narungga and Ngarrindjeri artist known for his iconic artwork that will feature on the WOMADelaide signage present at this year's festival.
Both artists advocate for the continued amplification of Aborig
Kaurna language revival
On 27 February, Adelaide’s inaugural ‘Kaurna Day’ event is being hosted at the University of Adelaide.
Kaurna Day is a free public event that aims to recognise and celebrate the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains – the Kaurna nation – through keynote talks, forums, culture, food and music.
109 of 123 spoken Indigenous languages in Australia are endangered - one of the fastest rates of language loss in the world.
We are on the brink of losing many Indigenous languages as their endangerme
SA Voice explained
With the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament pushing forward, eligible candidates are being asked to put their hand up and nominate themselves ahead of the March 16 election.
The SA Voice aims to platform people to speak on behalf of their communities on a range of matters and issues related to First Nations peoples.
AW spoke with SA’s Commissioner for First Nations Voice, Dale Agius, about the key frameworks, history and scope of the forthcoming Voice.
Detailed in our conversat
Kingston SE installation set to shift colonial lens
In 1840, a large group of shipwreck survivors were killed by Aboriginal people on the Coorong, with a monument installed in 1966 marking this massacre.
The monument omits detail of the controversial subsequent hanging of two Aboriginal men who were never granted a proper trial.
A collaborative project between the First Nations of the South East and the Kingston South East branch of the National trust is aiming to provide wider context to a historical site at a new native garden in Kingston Sou
Kaurna Ancestors reburied at Wangayarta
On Tuesday the 13th of December, members of the Kaurna community and supporters gathered at Wangayarta, the Kaurna memorial at Smithfield Memorial Park, to lay ancestors to rest in a community-led reburial.
Following historic reburials in December 2021 and June 2022, last week’s ceremony reburied ancestors who were disturbed from burial sites in Norwood, St Peters, Walkerville, Campbelltown and other areas of eastern Adelaide in the late 1800s and into the 20th century.
Many of these ancestors h
Kaurna shelter tree revival
A Willawilla Karra Kuu (Kaurna shelter tree) estimated to be over 450 years old has been given a second wind after prolonged land management efforts from several groups.
The tree-saving initiative started by the Brownhill Creek Conservation Group in 2018, has been contributed to by local school students and volunteers who have planted around 2,800 native plants around the creek area.
The tree is a significant feature of Wirraparinga (Brownhill Creek) which had become inundated by introduced wo
Referendum countdown: Thomas Mayo
Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, Thomas Mayo, is a prominent Yes campaigner and advocate for the upcoming Voice referendum.
He has been one of the more visible presences across news media and has authored six books including The Voice to Parliament Handbook - All the details you need, released in May 2023.
We spoke to Thomas during his final visit to SA ahead of the October 14 referendum - discussing his involvement with the campaign and remaining civil
Tarnanthi Art Fair 2023
The Art Gallery of South Australia’s Tarnanthi Art Fair is returning in 2023, featuring in-person and digital events, after two years of online events.
The Tarnanthi Art Fair will run from Friday 20 October to Sunday 22 October, with the event taking place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for the first time.
The 2023 Tarnanthi Festival features the work
of more than 1500 artists in exhibitions and events at AGSA and venues across South Australia from Port Pirie to Port Adelaide.
We sp
STEM Aboriginal Learners Conference
Students have flocked to the 2023 STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress - the only one of its kind for Aboriginal children in Australia.
The event, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, saw hundred of students from all across South Australia gain valuable education and industry experience in a variety of fields.
This year's theme of 'Cultural Innovators' reflected the past 60,000+ years of Aboriginal scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians - while looking forward to the
Nantawarrina IPA celebrates 25 years
In 1998 Traditional Owners from the Nipapanha (formerly Nepabunna) community in South Australia became the first Indigenous people to dedicate their Country as an Indigenous Protected Area.
At this time the 58,000 hectares of rugged Country on Adnyamathanha lands was in a state of decline.
Today Nantawarrina is a leading example of replenishment thanks to the constant efforts of Indigenous rangers and Adnyamathaha men and women who have replanted native vegetation, removed feral animals and he
Native title for Wilyakali
On August 28, 2023 the Wilyakali people were handed their native title rights and interests at a Federal Court ceremony near Mannahill, 360km northeast of Adelaide.
The consent determination area covers around 9,200 square-kilometres and stretches from the NSW border, on both sides of the Barrier Highway, to areas near Mannahill.
Wilyakali Aboriginal Corporation chair, Glen O’Donnell, said the date of the determination (August 28) would always be remembered by Wilyakali people.
“We’ve go
Frances Rings reflects on 'Yuldea'
After 12 years with the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Frances Rings is delivering her first piece since stepping in as artistic director for the company.
'Yuldea' is a deeply personal ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage, inspired by her family’s connection to the area.
The piece tells the story of the Aṉangu people of the Great Victorian Desert and the abrupt moment that traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation in South Australia.
In Yuldea, the an
Scott Rathman: Painting for Panama
Renowned Eastern Arrernte artist Scott Rathman has created a vibrant mural to welcome the Panama Women's National Football team and celebrate the diverse sporting community in the Playford region.
Scott has been painting murals around Australia for over 34 years and has provided mentorship for students at schools and aspiring artists.
“For me, I think Indigenous art from around the world has a
lot of similarities in its purpose,” Mr Rathman said.
“The purpose of a lot of traditional art is s
Native title recognition sparks ‘bright future’ for Ngadjuri people
On July 6, the Ngadjuri people of South Australia received their second Federal Court-recognised native title consent determination, at a packed Burra Town Hall.
The determination area covers South Australian towns across the Mid North including Kapunda, Clare, Burra, Peterborough and Yunta.
In the five years since their first determination, a joint title overlap with the Adnyamathanha Ngadjuri and Wilyakali peoples, Ngadjuri representatives spoke with great adoration for their Country.
Ngadjuri
‘Gardening with fire’ on Narungga Country
Recent cultural burns on Yorke Peninsula are reconnecting Narungga people to the traditional practice of burning on Country, training local First Nations people, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge between First Nations’ people and non-Indigenous partners and land managers.
Burns were conducted at Point Pearce, Minlaton/Minlagawi Gum Flat and Ardrossan grasslands, with further assessments carried out at sites initially slated for burns including Dhibara Sanctuary, Dhilba Guuranda (Innes N
Treaty to ban nuclear weapons: Karina Lester
Two weeks ago a group of Australian atomic survivors travelled to Canberra to speak with government decision-makers about their experiences as survivors of the British nuclear testing program in WA and SA.
They will outlined expectations for future actions from the government to acknowledge and address the harms caused by
nuclear weapons testing, calling directly on the Prime Minister to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the B
Sandy Greenwood: 'At What Cost?'
“These people are infiltrating local governments, taking custodians land away and meddling with identity and politics, it's a really scary issue.”
Palawa man Nathan Maynard's play, 'At What Cost?', explores the issue of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders incorrectly identifying themselves as Palawa persons, a contentious issue since legal reform from the Tasmanian government in 2016.
New criteria introduced allowed people to use self identification and communal recognitio
How to vote in the SA Voice to Parliament
With constant rolling coverage in regard to the Federal Referendum, you may have missed the establishment of the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament.
Back in March, South Australia became the first Australian jurisdiction to pass a bill legislating a State Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Separate from the Federal Voice, the initiative is intended to provide a direct line of communication for elected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the South Australian Parliament.
We s
Return of the Erawirung crayfish
A lost totem of the Erawirung people, the Murray
crayfish, has returned to SA waters, despite being made
extinct in the area due to pollution, overfishing and river regulation.
On May 16, 200 crays were relocated from parts of the NSW
and ACT run of the Murray River with ongoing monitoring to be undertaken by
the River Murray Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (RMMAC) rangers
Erawirung man and ranger coordinator for the River Murray and Malle Aboriginal Corporation, Glenn
Chisholm, joins the pro
Darwin historian reflects on 130-year-old prison drawings uncovered from SA museum
Charlie Flannigan was a prize-winning jockey and stockman who became the centre of a murder trial that gripped the Northern Territory in 1892.
Darwin-based historian and Library & Archives NT curator Don Nawurlany Christophersen spoke with Aboriginal Way about the impact of Flannigan's sketches, found in the SA Museum archives, before he became the first person officially sentenced to hang in the Northern Territory.
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned t
Faith Thomas AM: ahead of her time
Faith Thomas AM, the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person to play for Australia in any sport, has died at aged 90.
The Adnyamathanha woman, who was born at the Nepabunna Aboriginal Mission in 1933 to an Aboriginal mother and German father was selected to play cricket for South Australia in the 1950’s, before going on to play Test Cricket for Australia against England at Melbourne's Junction Oval in 1958 as a fast bowler.
Thomas remains one of just four Indigenous Australians to
Kaurna Program at Upper Sturt Primary School
“There’s a sense of excitement that something really big is growing from this and it’s encompassing not just the school, but everything around the school that’s linked to it… I’m awed that my boys get to have this experience and know that it will be a visible part of their lives forevermore. It’s not going to be this hidden, misunderstood almost myth that you hear about as a child, that’s edited so heavily.
These children have now got truth, they’ve got connection to Kaurna people, to the cultur
Referendum Working Party meet on Kaurna Land
Over the last two days, the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, the Federal Attorney-General Julian Leeser, the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart Pat Dodson, met with the Federal Voice to Parliament Referendum Working Group and Referendum Engagement Group on Kaurna Land.
The Working Group also met with Acting Premier Susan Close and the SA Attorney General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher, to discuss progress
Closing the Gap day
The biggest South Australian event dedicated to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is coming up quickly. The annual “Closing the Gap day” from Sonder and Nunkuwarrin Yunti will be held on Kaurna Country at the Adelaide Showgrounds on Thursday, 16th March from 11am to 3pm. Here to tell us about it on the show today is Njirrah Rowe, the Team Leader of Sonder's Closing the Gap Integrated Team Care Program.
*Organisations can still register to hold a stall on the da
Tracker
Legendary Wiradjuri tracker Alec Riley was the first Indigenous police sergeant on the New South Wales Police Force, where he served for 40 years from 1911.
In parallel to that now, many years later, his Great-Great nephew Daniel Riley has been named the first Indigenous director of an Australian dance company, in his new role as Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre.
In one of his first works in this role, Tracker, Daniel explores the path his Great-Great Uncle forged between the enforc
Native title granted to Wirangu and Nauo peoples
On the 10th of February 2023, the Wirangu and Nauo peoples celebrated the Federal Court’s recognition of their shared native title rights and interests on the western Eyre Peninsula.
After a 25-year wait, Justice O’Bryan met the Wirangu and Nauo peoples at Elliston Community Hall to deliver their native title consent determination. Listen to different perspectives on a historic day from Justice O’Bryan, Barrister Susan Phillips, Wirangu Elder Jack Johncock, and Nauo Elder Jody Miller.
Dr Jared Thomas's Churchill Fellowship
Dr Jared Thomas, a Nukunu man from the Southern Flinders Ranges is a Research Fellow for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Material Culture and Arts at the South Australian Museum and UniSA. He is also a curator, arts administrator, international award-winning author and all-around change maker.
Dr Thomas received a Churchill Fellowship in 2019 for his subject matter “investigating colonised people’s interpretive strategies in permanent gallery displays in Aotearoa, Norway, Finland, Canada a
Wirangu No.2 Part A Native Title Consent Determination
On the 8th December 2022, a native title claim first made by the Wirangu people more than 25 years ago on the 28th August 1997, was partially finalised with a consent determination at Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.
The Federal Court’s handing down of the consent determination was a historic day, recognising the Wirangu people as the Traditional Owners of their Country from Acraman Creek in the North to Port Kenny in the South and inland to the Flinders Highway.
SA Native Title Services would
SA Voice to Parliament
A draft bill proposing a model for the First Nations Voice to South Australia’s Parliament has been released, following a statewide engagement process with First Nations people, leaders and communities from August to October this year. If this legislation gets up, it will be the first state-based Voice to Parliament in the country.
Aboriginal Way spoke with South Australia’s Commissioner for First Nations Voice, Dale Agius, who has commenced his second tour of engagement around the state, about
The Circle
Are you a First Nations business or entrepreneur? Then don't miss this week's episode of Aboriginal Way with Kelly May, Operations Manager of The Circle.
The Circle was set up as a partnership between the South Australian and Australian governments with funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, based at Lot Fourteen.
"We've been established as a conduit between First Nations businesses... to really help their businesses grow and thrive and also to connect to with industry and gove
Purrumpa: an empowering forum for First Nations culture
Purrumpa is set to be the largest national gathering of First Nations arts and culture convened by the Australia Council in 50 years.
To be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Kaurna Land from Monday, 31st October to Friday, 4th November, its aim is to host considered conversations about First Nations arts and cultures, across a range of industries; to strengthen and grow the sector into the next 50 years, as well as celebrate the incredible achievements of the past 50 years.
We spoke to
Unceded Seeded (Ngampa)
Unceded Seeded or Ngampa, which means yam daisy (a perennial root vegetable that is a staple food source for Kaurna) in Kaurna language, is a new artwork that will be on public display semi-permanently for the next few years outside Guildhouse, in Adelaide’s CBD. The neon sign was designed by South Australian First Nations visual artist Brad Darkson, in consultation with senior Kaurna woman Aunty Lynette Crocker.
“Unceded Seeded (Ngampa) references the land on which the artwork is installed. It
Can a Voice to Parliament represent all First Nations? Linda Burney answers
The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, met with Aboriginal Way to answer important questions about an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The Voice would be a body enshrined in the constitution that enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to the parliament on policies and projects that impact their lives.
Representing all First Nations in the Voice will be a challenge, however, the Labor party will be ‘talking to people across the country about how that
InFocus: Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners Aboriginal Corporation
InFocus is a segment where we speak to PBCs who are creating exciting social and economic developments for their Aboriginal members and communities.
In this week's episode, we yarn with Yandruwandha woman, Teresa Gallo, who is the Chairperson of Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners Aboriginal Corporation (YYTLOAC). YYTLOAC acts as the agent for the native title rights and interests of the Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka people of far north-east South Australia.
In our interview record
Assistance for South Australian Aboriginal groups
How do Aboriginal groups reach native title status and what happens to them when they do?
Today we're speaking with the CEO of South Australian Native Title Services, Keith Thomas, to find out more about:
•the services needed to reach native title status
•the services available after native title is claimed
•support and services available to Aboriginal groups here in South AustraliaIf you're a regular listener, you might be aware that Aboriginal Way news, which includes this radio show and p
Wild Dog
The dingo is often referred to as a pest - at least to farmers - but it is also a significant living feature in First Nations culture and important within the Australian ecological system.
Wild Dog is the first artistic outcome of a multi-year cultural maintenance and revival project that will connect the dingo story from Kaurna and Narungga country in South Australia to Lardil Country in Mornington Island, Qld, including cultural links stretching to the Wild Dog story for the Bunun people in Ta
Tjindu Foundation: helping young people shine
For many Aboriginal language groups across South Australia, the word 'tjindu' translates to sun or sunshine, so it was the perfect choice to name a foundation whose purpose is to help Aboriginal children and young people shine their brightest.
The Tjindu Foundation aims to build resilience, school retention and employment prospects for the Aboriginal students who participate in their engagement and cultural education programs.
When April Lawrie and Pauly Vandenbergh established the Aboriginal
Kaurna Elders reflect on Wangayarta reburials
The Wangayarta Memorial Park was created specifically to rebury Kaurna ancestorial remains being returned from museums and universities.
If you haven't already, go back and listen to our first episode about Wangayarta, on December 9 2021, which explains the backstory of the memorial park.
In this episode, we hear from Kaurna Elders, Uncle Moogy Sumner and Aunty Madge Wanganeen, who've been involved in the reburials of their ancestors disturbed from the north and west of Adelaide.
"If you rebu
SA State Landscape Strategy
Landscape SA has released its ten-year State Landscape Strategy.
South Australia's landscape boards, peak bodies, local and state government agencies, and other landscape management stakeholders have worked together to develop the strategy.
The document outlines seven priorities for the landscape boards and their communities to consider in their land management practices.
Landscape stakeholder, Travis Thomas is the co-chair of the First Nations of South Australia Aboriginal Corporation and says
Native Title 30 years on from Mabo
Today - Friday, 3 June, 2022 marks 30 years since the 1992 Mabo decision by the High Court of Australia.
The landmark decision disproved 'terra nullius' (land belonging to no-one) and led to the native title act the following year.
Osker Linde, the Deputy Principal Legal Officer at SA Native Title Services joined us on the show to explain the complexities of the native title system.
Interview with the Governor about ATSI flags flying at Government House permanently
"I wanted to make the flagpoles visible to members of the public walking past Government House so they're able to see the Australian flag, the flag of South Australia, the Australian Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag flying side by side in a prominent position, permanently." - SA Governor Frances Adamson.
The four flags were raised at a flag dedication ceremony at the beginning of Reconciliation Week last Friday. It is the first time the Indigenous flags have been flown perman
iDreaming tv
iDreaming tv is a South Australian Indigenous screen and new media arts organisation which has just launched a brand new online channel, dedicated to showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork and media content.
Funded by the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts program, the online channel 12 years in the making aims to change the landscape for Aboriginal artists by offering them a platform where they can display or sell their work and connect with other artists.
i
Kyam Maher - South Australia's first Aboriginal Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Last week, Aboriginal Way sat down with South Australia's first Aboriginal Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Kyam Maher.
We found out more about his background and what has got him to where he is today, and asked him about pressing issues in the sector such as his plans for progress on the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
Southern Cultural Immersion
Recently, Aboriginal Way took a trip to Warraparinga to drop into the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, run by Southern Cultural Immersion.
Warraparinga, meaning 'Windy Place' in Kaurna language, is a nature reserve in Bedford Park at Marion, and a site of cultural significance for the Kaurna people. It is associated with the Tjilbruke Dreaming story and the beginning of the Tjilbruke Trail.
Southern Cultural Immersion hold musical performances and markets against this backdrop. They also offer cul
All that's Left is the Rusted Tin
"What I really like about largescale work is that it's a way of reminding non-Aboriginal people that we're still here and that our culture is still as important today as it has always been."
Scott Rathman is the contemporary Aboriginal artist behind the name Rusted Tin, and a cultural learning consultant who integrates his heritage with modern-day stories through colourful, recognisable artworks on everything from largescale outdoor murals to canvases to coffee mugs.
His larger work can be seen
What's happening at the 2022 AIATSIS Summit
This year the AIATSIS Summit is being convened in partnership with Queensland South Native Title Services and hosted by the Kabi Kabi people.
The annual Summit brings together Indigenous communities, native title stakeholders, academics, legal experts, and government departments to address the biggest issues facing traditional owners.
CEO of Queensland South Native Title Services, Kevin Smith, spoke to Aboriginal Way about the significance of the Summit which aligns with the 30th anniversary o
Ngarrindjeri Language and Culture in Riverland school
Renmark High School is having great success with its new Ngarrindjeri language and culture class. We speak with the school's Aboriginal Officer, Ngintait Nganguruku Yankunytjatjara man Daniel Giles, about why it's working so well.
Aboriginal languages in education
Did you know that a lot of schools across Australia are learning an Aboriginal language local to their area?
We'll speak with one school that's having great success with its Aboriginal language program next week. But today we're starting at the beginning, by speaking with a South Australian university professor who helped develop the national framework for the use of languages in education, which is when Aboriginal languages began being taught in mainstream schools.
Mapping colonial violence against Aboriginal people in SA
A digital map will share sites in South Australia where colonial violence took place against Aboriginal people in the 1800s.
University of Adelaide researcher, Dr Skye Krichauff, is working on the project called 'Reconciling with the Frontier' and shares more in this week's episode.
Aboriginal people with any information about the colonial conflicts are encouraged to contact Dr Krichauff via arts.adelaide.edu.au/frontier-conflict/contact-us
SA Aboriginal rangers need more funding
Unlike most states, the South Australia Government does not fund Aboriginal rangers directly.
Country Needs People started a petition to change this, calling on political parties in the SA election to support Indigenous land and sea management by funding Aboriginal rangers.
Patrick O'Leary, Executive Director at Country Needs People, and Denise Wilton, from Land Management Coordinator at Nepabunna Community Aboriginal Corporation, join us to explain more.
Contemporary circus work: 'Common Dissonance'
'Common Dissonance' is the only all-Indigenous circus performance at this year's Adelaide Fringe. Wakka Wakka person Harley Mann is the director of the show which highlights the co-existence of science and spirituality in Australia - a nation consisting of western and Indigenous ways of living and thinking.
'Common Dissonance' is on show at Gluttony from Feb 18 to March 6. Tix: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/common-dissonance-af2022
Reconciliation SA's National Apology film
February 13 is the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations delivered by former prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2008.
This year Reconciliation SA was forced to cancel their annual Reconciliation Breakfast, but they 'pivoted' and produced a commemorative film explains CEO Shona Reid.
Watch the film at reconciliationsa.org.au.
RAWsa: award-winning civil contractor
RAWsa is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and managed company providing civil construction, traffic management, and cultural heritage services.
The group was named the employer of the year 2021 by the Civil Contractors Federation SA for its sustainable and inclusive employment opportunities.
We spoke to RAW Managing Director Allan Jones and and CEO Adam Latemore to find out more.
Survival Day march 2022
Natasha Wanganeen spoke to us about organising the Survival Day march at Tarntanyangga, the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and her take on the Australian government buying the copyright to the Aboriginal flag.
Kaurna ancestral remains laid to rest at Wangayarta Memorial Park
More than 100 Aboriginal remains stored at the South Australian Museum were reburied at Kaurna Wangayarta Smithfield Memorial Park this week.
In the past, some remains were stolen by institutions, and others have been disturbed by the development of Adelaide.
The SA Museum has apologised for its involvement and supported Kaurna elders in repatriating their old people to a final resting place.
Hear about the world-first reburial and memorial park through Kaurna elders, SA Museum leaders, and t
Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service
A new service by the Department of Human Services (DHS) will connect Aboriginal people with limited English skills to interpreters who can translate important information from government departments.
Executive Director of Community Support and Investment at DHS, Ruth Ambler, shares how the service works and why it will break down communication barriers for Aboriginal people living in South Australia.
DHS is hiring Aboriginal interpreters currently living/working in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Whya
Immersion: 360-degree storytelling experience
Immersion is a 360-degree experience educating audiences about the significance of water to South Australia.
Virtual reality technology allows you to step into locations from 50 million years ago, to see how Kaurna land has transitioned from rainforest to the Adelaide plains we know today.
Immersion's director Nathan Bazley, and Kaurna cultural producer Jack Buckskin, joined Aboriginal Way to share more.
Immersion is on show at Light, 63 Light Square Adelaide, until the 28th of November. Tick
Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways Project
Since 2006, Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways Project has helped high school leavers from remote communities start their tertiary education journey.
IYMP Adelaide supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples between the ages of 16 to 24 by providing housing and support to students while they study away from home.
We caught up with IYMP Adelaide coordinator, Kevin Coleman, and IYMP education support officer, Gillian Bowie, at Turkindi Expo 2021 to find out more about the projec
Turkindi Expo 2021
Turkindi is a Kaurna word that means coming together and sharing information. For 21 years, the service has helped Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples find meaningful employment and training opportunities.
On November 9, Turkindi is holding an expo featuring service providers, which will be available to provide information about employment, education, housing, and health.
Turkindi's chairperson, Ivan Tiwu-Copley, joined Aboriginal Way to talk about the expo taking place from 10am to
Aboriginal Children's Commissioner reflects on first term
April Lawrie was appointed South Australia's first Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in late 2018.
Until now, the Mirning and Kokatha woman was working in partnership with the Children's Commissioner, but a change in legislation has given Ms Lawrie independent authority to investigate systemic issues facing young Aboriginal people.
In this episode, the Commissioner reflects on her first term, why she is reapplying for the role, and how she would use her investigative powers
40 years of the APY Lands Act
Forty years on, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981 remains unprecedented in Australian lands rights history.
Initially called the Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Act, it gave traditional owners inalienable freehold title to their land in the far north-west of South Australia.
Members of APY determine how the 103,000 square kilometres of land is managed by an executive board, which reports directly to Premier Steven Marshall.
Although celebrations have been postponed to A
Accessing Country using virtual reality
A virtual reality film is helping people access Country from hundreds of kilometres away. The film is called Arabana Songlines and launched during Tarnanthi, the festival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, at a venue called The Lab.
Director Colleen Strangways and videographer Vivian Wong spoke to Aboriginal Way about the production of Arabana Songlines and the power of virtual reality storytelling.
Carer Les Wanganeen wins SA Child Protection Award
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way, brought to you by SA Native Title Services. Narungga and Kaurna man, Les Wanganeen won Kinship Carer of the Year at the inaugural SA Child Protection Awards after five years of caring for his grandson. Les shared his story with Aboriginal Way and has advice for prospective kinship carers.
Funding boost for APY Rangers secures future of black-footed rock-wallaby
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way, brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. Only 80 years ago, the black-footed rock-wallaby, or warru, were swarming in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, but in 2007 they were South Australia's most endangered mammal.
In 2021, a successful warru conservation program received an $8.3 million funding boost from the National Indigenous Australian's Agency to continue its work for another seven years. APY Lands manager of land mana
Connect with Country at Nature Festival
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way, brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. Spring is the perfect time of year for Nature Festival with over 200 events happening in South Australia from September 25 to October 4.
In this episode, Nature Festival director Ryan Hubbard shares the 2021 program including events led by the traditional owners of the land now known as South Australia.
Check out the Nature Festival program: www.naturefestival.org.au
Join the State Records & State Library Aboriginal Reference Group
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. This week we speak to State Records Director Simon Froude, and State Library of South Australia Director Geoff Strempel, about a new Aboriginal Reference Group that will inform both institutions.
People who identify as Aboriginal people and care about issues relating to libraries, archives, and records management can apply to be a member of the reference group by September 30, 2021, at archives.sa.gov.au.
South Australia's new Close the Gap plan
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. This week we speak to South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network convenor, Scott Wilson, about a new plan to Close the Gap in South Australia.
The South Australian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan is supported by the South Australian Government and promises to make significant improvements to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the state.
Find o
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre's new management
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. This week we speak to Southern Cultural Immersion about their latest endeavour running the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Warriparinga.
Southern Cultural Immersion is owned and run by Kaurna man Corey Turner, who joins us on the show with cultural director Tobias Turner, and events and marketing director Eve Gregory.
They provide cultural tours and training on Kaurna land and will offer a fresh take on t
Yuwallarai journalist Kirstie Parker
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. This week we speak to Yuwallarai woman Kirstie Parker, a guest curator of the 2021 Adelaide Festival of Ideas.
Kirstie shares why Australia needs more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in media, a field she has worked in for over 25 years.
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Kalkadunga didgeridoo player William Barton
Welcome back to Aboriginal Way brought to you by South Australian Native Title Services. This week we speak to Kalkadunga didgeridoo player and composer, William Barton, ahead of his performance with the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) at Illuminate Festival.
William Barton & the ASQ will perform at Adelaide Town Hall on Wednesday, July 21 with tickets available here: https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/events/australian-string-quartet-and-william-barton
Follow us on social media for native tit
Southern Deadly Yarns season 2: Blackfulla Bookclub
Aboriginal Way is proud to share an episode from the award-winning series Southern Deadly Yarns season 2 by Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc. and Onkaparinga Libraries.
This episode is about Blackfulla Bookclub, an online celebration of First Nations storytelling that has amassed over 35,000 followers on Instagram. Run by Gumbaynggirr and Barkandji woman Merinda Dutton and Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman Teela Reid, these passionate lawyers and influencers yarn about literature, culture, and more.
F
Bicultural business with AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie
During Reconciliation Week 2021, Aboriginal Way attended the first AIATSIS Summit at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This was a combination of the National Native Title Conference and Indigenous Research Conference usually held separately.
Delegates from around the country attended the summit, where academics, legal experts, and community sectors shared the challenges regarding research and native title.
Craig Ritchie is the CEO of AIATSIS which stands for the Australian Institute of Aborigin
'Sorry and Beyond: Healing the Stolen Generations' with Brian Butler - Part 2
Hear about Brian Butler's lifelong devotion to healing the harm caused by the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
Brian's new book 'Sorry and Beyond: Healing the Stolen Generations' exposes the Australian government's policies which aimed to destroy the identity of Indigenous children by taking away their language, culture, and connection to country.
The book is available now: shop.aiatsis.gov.au/products/sorry-and-beyond
'Sorry and Beyond: Healing the Stolen Generations' with Brian Butler - Part 1
Hear about Brian Butler's lifelong devotion to healing the harm caused by the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
Brian's new book 'Sorry and Beyond: Healing the Stolen Generations' exposes the Australian government's policies which aimed to destroy the identity of Indigenous children by taking away their language, culture, and connection to country.
The book is available now: shop.aiatsis.gov.au/products/sorry-and-beyond
Kaurna cultural burn makes history
Tuthangga (Park 17) Adelaide was the site of the first cultural burn in an Australian capital city and the first on Kaurna Yerta in 200 years. The Kaurna community, City of Adelaide, Green Adelaide and the Department for Environment and Water have been working together to make this cultural burn a reality with assistance from Indigenous Fire Practitioner Victor Steffenson.
Cultural burns not only reduce the amount of fuel which can result in devastating bushfires, but these low and controlled b
Mick Starkey: culture and science go together
SA Native Title Services is the publisher of Aboriginal Way - we assist Aboriginal people in South Australia to gain recognition and to protect their native title rights and interests.
While on a recent work trip, we spoke to Mick Starkey, our Cultural Heritage and Land Management Senior Project Officer.
His Kokatha people received native title in 2014 over approximately 140,000 km2 of their land in the northern region of South Australia between Lake Torrens and Lake Gairdner.
One morning, Mick
Aerosol and Tattoo Artist: Shane Mankitya Cook
Shane Mankitya Cook is a Wulli Wulli and Guwa descendant from Queensland. He was adopted by the Kaurna community in Adelaide and given the name Mankitya, which translates to "the scarred one". Over a coffee, near his studio at Black Diamond Tattoo, we talk about his life as an Aboriginal artist, athlete, and youth mentor.
Mali Isabel is making her art empire
Mali Isabel is an Arabana and Kokatha artist making a name for herself on Kaurna land. The 21-year-old was a successful applicant of a year-long residency at Carclew where she is developing her skills in painting, photography and ceramics. Mali bases her work on equality by using every colour of the rainbow and has big plans for her art empire.
Instagram: @malisabelart
Legacy: Reflections on Mabo exhibition
It's South Australia's turn to see the Legacy: Reflections on Mabo exhibition which has been showcased at art galleries across the country since 2019.
Eddie Mabo spent a decade seeking recognition of his people's ownership of Mer Island in the Torres Strait, and on 3 June 1992 the High Court of Australia agreed by rejecting terra nullius (land belonging to no-one).
Co-curated by Gail Mabo, Dr Jonathan McBurnie and Kellie Williams, the exhibition brings together a selection of 22 works by 25 In
Gina Rings: Directing the first Aboriginal dance work for babies
Gina Rings is an award winning choreographer and dancer with over 30 years' experience in the arts.
Hailing from the west coast of South Australia, Gin Rings is a Kokatha woman who knew she wanted to be on stage before she was out of nappies.
Speaking of nappies, she is the artistic director for an upcoming show at the 2021 DreamBIG Children's festival, called Our Corka bubs.
Our Corka Bubs is the first ever Aboriginal contemporary dance work for babies. The best part, the whole show is in
Tika Tirka (Stay & Learn): Indigenous student accommodation
Tika Tirka means to stay and learn in Kaurna language, and that's exactly what Indigenous students from regional communities are able to do when they move into the student accommodation.
Based in Adelaide's CBD, Tika Tirka provides students aged 18 to 26 with an affordable, safe and culturally appropriate home away from home while they study in Adelaide.
We speak with State Manager for Aboriginal Community Housing, Wayne Gibbings, about the services provided; Ngarrindjeri and Narrunga universi
Tanya Hosch: How to be better Australians
South Australian of the Year, Tanya Hosch, says racism is the nation's unfinished business and talking about it will make us better Australians.
Tanya is the first Indigenous person and second woman to join the AFL executive - her leadership has made the game more inclusive for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and gender diverse players.
In our interview, Tanya shares her personal experiences with racism, proud career moments and why there are positive outcomes for all if w
Warndu: Start cooking with native ingredients
Warndu is an Indigenous owned company that makes products with wild harvested Australian native ingredients. Founders Damien Coulthard and Rebecca Sullivan say native ingredients have a place in every Australian pantry, and recipes from their cookbook, Warndu Mai, may inspire you to get started.
Warndu means "good" in Adnyamathanha and reflects the brand's aim of providing nutritious food that has a positive impact on people both physically and mentally.
Hear about why Damien and Rebecca start
First Nations artists at WOMADelaide 2021
WOMADelaide is just around the corner and this year the festival has announced a new music development initiative for emerging First Nations artists. It's in collaboration with the City of Playford's music venue and industry training hub Northern Sound System with support from Balya Productions.
Loving Country with Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou - Pt2
This week, we're bringing you the second part in a two-part series about the newly published book, Loving Country, by Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou.
Bruce and Vicky recently recorded this interview with Adelaide-based poet and broadcaster, Mike Ladd, for local bookshop Matilda Books. Thanks to them and to Hardie Grant Publishing for allowing us to play this insightful interview.
If you missed Part 1, you might enjoy listening to that before this one. You can find it either on our website at
Loving Country with Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou - Pt1
Over the next two weeks, we'll be bringing you another two-part series.
This short series is a conversation between authors Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou about their new book, Loving Country, that was recently broadcast by a local bookshop over Zoom. Thanks to the book's publisher, Hardie Grant Publishing for allowing us to broadcast this interview.
Bruce Pascoe is an Aboriginal writer best known for his work Dark Emu, which re-examines colonial accounts of Aboriginal people in Australia a
Nuclear weapons ban treaty
Our guest on Aboriginal Way this week is anti-nuclear activist Karina Lester.
Karina is a Yankunytjatjara Anangu woman who grew up on the APY Lands in the Far North West of South Australia.
Her late father was Yami Lester, an Aboriginal elder and nuclear campaigner, who lost his eye sight after the Maralinga nuclear tests in the 1950s.
Karina continues to advocate against nuclear weapons and dumps, such as the proposed Kimba nuclear waste site.
In 2017, she spoke to world leaders in New York
Anthropology + Native Title Pt 2
This week you'll hear the second part of our interview with senior anthropologist Robert Graham.
Listen in as he continues to discuss the work of anthropologists in the native title process.
If you missed Part 1, you can listen back to the podcast version on our website here - www.nativetitlesa.org/anthropology-native-title/ or on iTunes.
Anthropology & Native Title Pt 1
Understanding how vital anthropology is to native title claims
PART 1 of 2
South Australian Native Title Services employs a small team of anthropologists and we find that people often have questions about what their role is and how it relates to native title.
The truth is that anthropologists have a vital, if perhaps not widely known, role to play in our country's native title system and in determining outcomes for claimants.
Under the Australian process for a native title claim, a claimant, or
Lake Torrens - South Australian's Juukan Gorge?
Exploration drilling will go ahead early this year on Lake Torrens, a sacred Aboriginal site, after approval was announced by the Premier Steven Marshall during the week between Christmas and New Year's. The authorisation gives minerals exploration company Kelaray permission to "damage, disturb or interfere" with sites, objects and remains under Section 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
Kelaray are a subsidiary of Argonaut Resources, who we discovered last week were actually awarded a $320,000
How to improve Aboriginal women's heart health
Research led by University of South Australia PhD candidate Katharine McBride has found what makes the heart strong for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Did you know, the life expectancy of Aboriginal women is 75.6 years, compared to 83.4 years for non-Aboriginal women?
According to McBride's paper, 'Good Heart: Telling Stories of Cardiovascular Protective and Risk Factors for Aboriginal Women', the current approach to heart health is not working because the model of care fails to m
After Native Title: Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation
Three years on from determination, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation is thriving as it builds sustainable partnerships with regional councils and the local community, Interim CEO Tim Hartman tells Aboriginal Way.
Part A of the Ngarrindjeri native title claim was determined just over three years ago, becoming incorporated on 6 December 2017 and registered at the beginning of January the following year. This was nearly 20 years after the claim was first lodged, and many elders and community
Remnants of Yalata's Aboriginal History Preserved
Memories of Yalata will be captured by Indigenous policy researcher and writer Eleanor Hogan, who was recently awarded a $4,755 grant from the SA History fund. This assistance, alongside another smaller grant she's received from the Oral History Association of South Australia and the Northern Territory, will allow her to travel to and spend more time in the Yalata community.
There, she plans to record the stories and memories of three senior Yalata women, transcribe them into a booklet with Eng
New documentary about Faith Thomas (nee Coulthard)
Have you heard of Faith Thomas AM (née Coultard)?
The Adnyamathanha woman who was born at the Nepabunna Aboriginal Mission in the early 1930's to an Aboriginal mother and German father, was in the first group of Aboriginal nurses to graduate from the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the 1950's, alongside her friend from Colebrook Home where she had grown up, Lowitja O'Donoghue. Faith nursed in Aboriginal communities right across regional and remote South Australia in the 1960's and 70's.
But in additi
Archie Roach for Southern Deadly Yarns
You might have heard of the recent Southern Deadly Yarns series by Onkaparinga Libraries and Neporendi Aboriginal Forum, which presented a virtual interviews with a First Nations author each week.
The last of these was a chat with Archie Roach, who has been an important figure in Australian music and culture for more than 30 years, and recently won the ARIA for Best Male Artist, as well as the Double J Australian artist of the year.
This interview celebrates the release of the 30th anniversary e
Share the Dignity with women in remote Indigenous communities
When Rochelle Courtenay first learnt of women experiencing homelessness going without basic sanitary items, she decided the question was not, "why is no one doing anything" but rather, "what's stopping me from doing something?"
In March 2015, Rochelle took matters into her own hands by collecting sanitary items with her local community and distributing to local shelters. As a result, a simple idea of giving dignity to women, Share the Dignity was created and has grown to become a national chari
NAIDOC SA Awards 2020
The recipients of the South Australian NAIDOC awards for 2020 were announced at a ceremony at the Adelaide Town Hall on Monday, 9 November.
Hear who all 13 award winners are, and listen to Adelaide's Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor presenting the second Lord Mayor's NAIDOC Award, to acknowledge an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community member for their outstanding achievement, service and contribution to reconciliation in Adelaide.
Remember you can still vote for the National NAIDOC Awa
50 Words Project
If you want to learn how to say a word in another language, where do you go first to find it? Probably, in this day and age, the internet, right?
What about if you're trying to learn words in Indigenous languages from across Australia? You might know if you've tried, that it can be difficult to find the right resources to do this.
That's why the Research Unit for Indigenous Language at the University of Melbourne came up with the 50 Words Project, an online resource aiming to provide 50 words in
Toolbox Yarns
Once a fortnight at Lot Fourteen, tools are put down at 10am and construction workers file into the open courtyard or an empty room, where they hear from Aboriginal leaders, educators or anyone with a story to share. The talks are no longer than a smoko break (10-20mins), making them easily digestible; then it's back to work - with plenty to think about.
While the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site is a hub for the wide range of entrepreneurs and the emerging future and creative industries it
Patricia Clarke for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one of Cancer Council SA's Aboriginal Ambassadors, Patricia Clarke, is sharing her story to encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to take part in the free breast cancer screening program.
Tarnanthi: honouring shared knowledge from generations of women
Tarnanthi, an annual celebration of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, features artwork from 87 artists in its 2020 exhibition Tarnanthi: Open Hands.
The creativity First Nations' women use to share knowledge across generations is recognised in this year's Tarnanthi, with recognition of the deep connections made to Country and culture through the art making process.
"Open Hands celebrates the ongoing and often unseen work that women in communities do to maintain culture," sa
'Atnwengerrp - Our Apmere, Our Place' at Tandanya
A new exhibition has opened at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute that takes audiences full circle from the first exhibition there in 1989, to its 30th birthday celebrations and reopening after a six-and-a-half-month temporary closure due to COVID-19 this year.
Tandanya first opened its doors to the public in 1989 with an exhibition of batik artwork on silk by women from Utopia community in the NT. This year, the Gallery will be celebrating its 30th birthday (a little late, due to C
Innes National Park Name Change to Dhilba Guuranda - Innes National Park and under new Co-Management Board
Innes National Park will be co-managed by the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) and is officially changing its name to Dhilba Guuranda - Innes National Park this year, the 50th anniversary of the Park, with official celebrations taking place during NAIDOC Week.
Free the Flag
Originally designed for the land rights movement in 1971, the Aboriginal flag has come to represent Aboriginal People Australia-wide since being adopted as an official "Flag of Australia" in July 1995.
But when the flag's designer and copyright holder since 1997, Luritja artist Harold Thomas granted non-Indigenous company WAM Clothing the exclusive worldwide licence to use on clothing, physical and digital media in November 2018, organisations and companies using the flag on merchandise began be
Raise the Age with Dr Robyn Layton
There's been a growing movement for some time to lift Australia's minimum age of criminal responsibility from just 10 years to 14. Children in that age bracket are going through a period of significant growth and development and forcing them though a criminal legal process in these formative years can cause immense harm to their health, wellbeing and future, and children who are arrested before the age of 14 are three times more likely to commit offences as adults.
The disparity of Aboriginal a
Our Stories
Three storytellers from Aboriginal language groups across South Australia are sharing their cultural knowledge as part of a free online experience presented by Adelaide Festival Centre's Something on Saturday program
Indigenous Jobs in SA's Seafood Industry
"You can see it as an opportunity for him - sure. But I saw it as a fantastic opportunity for us as West Coast people; to finally get into an industry that - to be honest - has been going through our waters and our fish and we just seem to be standing on shores watching all these boats go by..."
Paul Vanderberg is the director of Aboriginal Programs at Port Adelaide Footy Club. He's also in the process of finalising 60 training placements for young Indigenous people through a new company he has
Indigenous Literacy Day - Gregg Dreise, ambassador of Indigenous Literacy Foundation
Wednesday, 2nd September is Indigenous Literacy Day, a celebration of Indigenous culture, stories, language and literacy, but also a reminder of how far we have to go to ensure equal literacy rates in Australia. Today, we're speaking with Gregg Dreise, ambassador of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, an author and illustrator himself.
Breaking Ground 2021 recipient Juanella McKenzie
Today I'm speaking with the recipient of Country Arts SA's Breaking Ground award for 2021, Juanella McKenzie, an Adnyamathanha / Luritja artist who lives in Port Augusta.
Juanella will receive $10,000 to develop a body of artwork for a solo exhibition to be held in Adelaide during the 2021 SALA Festival, and an additional $5000 towards a mentorship opportunity over the next year.
Her family's involvement in a five-year battle to save their homeland from a Nuclear Waste Dump being built nearby wi
Allan Sumner on Repatriation
Recently Kaurna community members respectfully reburied the remains of ancestors disturbed during the construction of the Northern Connector and other infrastructure projects in the region.
Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Yankunytjatjara man Alan Sumner was a part of that very moving ceremony. On this program he speaks to us about the ceremony, as well as upcoming international repatriations and the challenges and opportunities for communities in taking care of repatriations.
Tessa Rose on growing up with foster families
Tessa Rose is an actor who regularly appears on stage and screen across Australia, she's had roles in 'Top End Wedding' , 'Redfern Now' and with Bangarra Dance Theatre.
In the play The Daly River Girle, Tessa shares her own story about growing up with foster families, away from her mother, family and country.
We speak to Tessa at Tandanya just before the opening of The Daly River Girl for the Adelaide Fringe Festival season.
Ivan Tiwu Copley on honouring the Stolen Generations on the Anniversary of the Apology
Today we join the community in marking the twelfth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation. The 13th of February is the anniversary of the National Apology. On that day in 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered an apology in Federal Parliament to all those Indigenous people who had been taken from their families as children by Australian authorities. Kaliah Alice went along to a community event in Veale Gardens on the 13th and spoke to Uncle Ivan Tiwu Copley on why it is su
Act Now with Nathan May
Reconciliation SA and ActNow Theatre deliver a program called Generation of Change, designed to give school students and teachers the opportunity to explore the impacts of racism as well as how to prevent it. We speak to Nathan May, a musician and an actor who has a big role in the Act Now program sharing his personal story through words and music.
First Nations Hub at Tandanya for Adelaide Fringe 2020
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and its marking the achievement with a big focus on the Fringe for 2020. Tandanya will host a "First Nations Hub' in the upcoming festival. We find out more from Tandanya CEO Dennis Stokes.
Aboriginal screen storytelling in demand
The new CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) says the organisation will maintain its strong commitment to Aboriginal screen makers as the organisation's current Aboriginal Screen Strategy expires. We speak to Kate Croser and Associate Executive Production Development Attraction and Studios at SAFC, Nara Wilson about opportunities for Indigenous screen makers right across Central Australia
Blood money exchange and collaborative car wrecks Tarnanthi 2019
On the show today, join us at the launch of Tarnanthi 2019, the national festival of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art which has just opened at the Art Gallery of South Australia. We had a chat with artists Robert Fielding, about why an old beat up car became his canvas and with Ryan Presley who has created a "Blood Money Exchange"
Kura Yerlo new home new energy
Community centre Kura Yerlo is a leading not for profit Aboriginal owned and controlled community organisation. It was located at Largs Bay for 30 years but has recently moved to a new home in Seaton. They have a new space and a new energy, and share with us some of the great things that are happening at Kura Yerlo right now.
Roger Thomas on Aboriginal Engagement Reform
Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement Roger Thomas is leading a State-wide consultation to seek the views of Aboriginal South Australians on ways to improve the working relationship between State Government and Aboriginal nations.
Rebecca Richards on historical photos through many eyes
In the 1930s Anthropologist Charles Mountford documented Adnyamathanha people with a series of now iconic photographs held by the South Australian Museum. Eighty years on an Adnyamathanha researcher has taken the photos back to her Adnyamathanha community to uncover personal and complex stories of family, culture and country.
Rebecca Richards is an Adnyamathanha Barngarla woman, an early career researcher at the South Australian museum and a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide.
Tracy Rigney on working with Aboriginal Children in Care
With Aboriginal children significantly overrepresented in care across the nation and in South Australia, the SA Department of Child Protection is undergoing a re-orientation of the way it works with Aboriginal families. It has recently released three policy statements - a Reconciliation Action Plan, Aboriginal Employment Policy and a departmental Aboriginal Action Plan. Significantly the Aboriginal Action Plan adopts the Aboriginal Child Placement Principles, which have been championed by commun
Our Mob artists on their work, stories and identity
Today we hear from some artists who are showing their work at the Our Mob exhibition of works by over 80 South Australian First Nations artists. Greg Burgoyne, Linda Bromley and Don Dunstan Emerging Artist Award recipient Sonya Rankine speak to Lucy Kingston about their art practice and how it relates to their personal stories, culture and identity.
Shona Reid on Reconciliation in South Australia
On the show today we speak to Shona Read, Executive Director of Reconciliation South Australia, about her time at this year's amazing Garma festival up in East Arnhem Land, as well as the plans Reconciliation SA has for the next few years.
Elizabeth Close on Our Mob
On Aboriginal Way radio this week, we hear about a huge exhbition of art by First Nations South Australian artists that's opening in Adelaide soon - Our Mob. We speak to thriving contemporary artist, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara woman Elizabeth Close for her perspective on the giant annual art show. She first got involved with Our Mob very early in her career and has an exciting new work on show this year.
Keith Thomas on Native Title in SA
60% of the state of South Australia now has native title resolved, with remaining claims progressing rapidly through the Federal Court.
With most native title claims in the state likely to be resolved within the next few years, the CEO of SA Native Title Services Keith Thomas discusses how native title supports traditional owners to advance their own goals for their community and country.
Jeffrey Newchurch on return of Kaurna Old People
On this program hear from Kaurna Elder Jeffrey Newchurch on the return of eleven Kaurna old people to be reburied on their country. The remains of the old people were held at UK institutions and the Federal Government has coordinated their return from overseas to Canberra. About 25 Kaurna people will collect and escort them from Canberra to Adelaide to be laid to rest at sacred area for the Kaurna people - near the Tjilbruke Spring at Kingston Park.
Lester Irabinna Rigney On Children's Voices In Treaty
On today's program, we speak to Professor Lester Irabinna Rigney after a forum held at SAHMRI on the theme of this year's NAIDOC Week - Voice Treaty Truth.
Professor Rigney is a researcher who is investigating the rights of the child, looking at different ways we can improve the disparities between Aboriginal Children and non-Aboriginal Children. He says that Australia has 'educational amnesia' and that we urgently need to develop a culturally responsive schooling that recognises the knowledge a
Rikki Milera Wilson on getting active
On this show, an inspiring young woman who wants to create opportunities for people in her community to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Rikki Milera-Wilson is the 2019 NAIDOC SA Sports Woman of the Year and Kaliah Alice spoke to her at the Adelaide Town Hall just after the NAIDOC SA awards ceremony.
Learning Arabana language on country
On the program today we hear from Arabana woman Dr Veronica Arbon and linguist Eleanor McCall about some successful Arabana language camps that were held at Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) recently. Over 100 Arabana people got involved with carving, decorating clapping sticks, cooking kangaroo tails, catching up with family and hearing about the traditional names of the places and stories from that area from Elders.
The camps, and other Arabana language revitalisation activities were supported by the M
Dylan Clarke On Treaty In Victoria
On Aboriginal Way radio this week, we hear from Dylan Clarke, Chairperson of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council which represents Traditional Owners from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples in Victoria.
Kaliah Alice caught up with Dylan Clarke at the National Native Title conference in Melbourne earlier this month, and he provided some insight into treaty advancement and the need for constitutional recognition.
Nukunu native title determination
The Federal Court has recognised that the Nukunu people are native title holders over a large area of South Australia around the city of Port Pirie. On this program we hear from the emotional Federal Court determination hearing which was held in the small town of Port Germein on the coast at the top of the Spencer Gulf.
Speakers:
Federal Court Justice Charlesworth
John Turner, Nukunu Elder
Rose Turner, Nukunu original named claimant
Lindsay Thomas, Nukunu Elder and claimant
Jamie Lowe on realising the promise of native title
In today's program we hear from the Chair of the National Native Title Council speaking at the 2019 Native Title Conference. Jamie Lowe says that now that many Aboriginal nations have legal recognition as traditional owners through native title, it's an era to work towards wealth creation, hand back of resources and a journey to true reconciliation.
We also speak to one of the winners of the 2019 Governor's Aboriginal Youth Awards - athlete Tamsyn McKenzie Murdoch.
Douglas Clinch on Diabetes Stories
On the program this week, we hear about the work being done to find better ways of dealing with one of the most chronic health conditions in the Australian population broadly and the Aboriginal community particularly - diabetes. Douglas Clinch is Project Officer with the SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, and they are taking a careful evidence based and community led approach to helping people better live with diabetes. He is currently calling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peo
Paul Herzich Kaurna Ngarrinjeri Landscape Architect & artist
On today's program we hear from Paul Herzich, a Ngarrinjeri and Kaurna man who is an Adelaide based contemporary landscape architect and visual artist. Paul was key note speaker at the Reconciliation in the North morning tea during Reconciliation Week 2019. He spoke to Kaliah Alice after his address and told her some of his interesting life story and about his approach to design.
Joe Williams - Defying the Enemy Within
We speak to a Wiradjuri man who is brave in every sense of the word. Joe Williams was a professional NRL player and champion boxer who has overcome his personal demons to become a speaker and advocate for Indigenous wellness and suicide prevention. He spoke to Lucy Kingston after his powerful address to a meeting of the Adelaide Metro Suicide Prevention Network.
Next Stage For Aboriginal Families Study In SA
The Aboriginal Families Study is a research study that invited 344 women from across South Australia to talk about their birthing experiences. The study is in its second phase with researchers now wanting to reconnect with those women they spoke to over 5 years ago.
Expressing The Stories Of SA Aboriginal Vietnam Veterans
On Aboriginal Way this week, Kaliah Alice finds out about the VIETNAM, ONE IN ALL IN exhibition, which shares the untold stories of Aboriginal South Australian veterans of the Vietnam war. Aboriginal diggers were paired with South Australian artists to create works that respond to their personal stories and memories of the time and experience on their return. The result is a vibrant multi-disciplinary show that honours the voices of some people who have remained unheard throughout history. Kalia
Indigenous languages and commemorative coin with Prof Jacky Troy
On the launch of a 50c coin designed to celebrate Australian Indigenous languages with 14 different language words for 'coin' in the design, Professor Jaky Troy says that the situation for the survival of Australian languages is "pretty dire" and that that we stand to lose half of the world's Indigenous languages within the next 50 years.
Closing the Gap with Sageran Naidoo
A chat about the importance of bringing community and health care providers together in a social way to discuss health options and promote regular health checks
Closing the Gap with Schania Czygan from Sonder
This week we mark Close the Gap day with a chat with Schania Ceegan from Sonder, an organisation which delivers a range of integrated community health services and is hosting a Closing the Gap day health and awareness event in Adelaide on Wednesday 27th of March 2019
John Hill, Independent Assessor Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme
We speak to the man tasked with deciding on payments under the SA Stolen Generations Reparations scheme, the Independent Assessor for the Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme, former politician John Hill. He explains how the scheme came about, how the big decisions were made, what the outcomes of the scheme were and what else might need to happen to support the families of Stolen Generations survivors.
June Oscar Social Justice Commissioner
In June this year Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar will present a report on the ideas and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to the Federal Parliament and the Prime Minister. On the show this week, Kaliah Alice speaks to June Oscar about the consultation as well as her response to the recent Closing the Gap annual report.
Reflections on the SA Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme
Arrente woman, Stolen Generations survivor and academic at the University of Adelaide Dr Jenni Caruso speaks about the South Australian Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme which was recently finalised
Brad Bara from Mambali
https://www.nativetitlesa.org/aboriginalway/aboriginal-way-radio-15-february-2019-brad-bara-from-mambali
A personal story of inter-generational child removal
This week Courtney Hunter Hebberman shares her family's story of inter-generational forced child removal and a powerful poem about her experience.