Celebrate NAIDOC Week at our libraries

Published on 19 June 2019

Taking place from 7 – 14 July, NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is our national week of recognition that is not only celebrated in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

To mark the occasion, Footscray, Braybrook and Yarraville Libraries will hold Junjurri Art and Storytelling Workshops to educate children about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and to celebrate cultural diversity through art and storytelling.

Junjurri workshops were designed by Aboriginal artist and educator Nathalie McLean to give children an immersive and nurturing experience by learning aspects of her indigenous culture passed down from the Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka, and Kullali people of Queensland, Australia.

Nathalie will facilitate the workshops at Footscray, Braybrook and Yarraville Libraries, and she hopes the participants will get a better understanding of her culture.

“Junjurri Workshop is an interactive art and storytelling workshop developed as a learning tool for kinder and primary aged students. I hope the children will have a fun and educational experience and develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture,” Nathalie said.

During the workshops, children will have the opportunity to be the artist and storyteller (become the Junjurri!), create and discuss Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork, learn traditional symbols, and learn traditional language through movement and song.

Nathalie is looking forward to hosting these workshops during NAIDOC Week.

“NAIDOC week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all of our vibrant and diverse landscapes, languages and stories. It's about respect and acknowledgement of our past, present and future,” she continued.

The Junjurri Art and Storytelling Workshops are perfect for children aged 5-12 years and will take place during NAIDOC Week.

Visit the Library website for further information and to book.

Message from the Mayor, Cr Martin Zakharov

NAIDOC Week provides us with a chance to come together as a community to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I encourage you all to take the opportunity to stop, reflect and acknowledge our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as we work together for a shared future.

Maribyrnong News

Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews.