Workshop Success

The weaving workshop was a great success with twenty women from the Yarra Valley and a few farther a field coming and sharing time sitting with the Arnhem Weavers and learning two different weaving techniques, dying and of course snippets of Yolngu language and culture. The Arnhem Weavers ran the workshop, putting much effort into maintaining it as a space of cross-cultural learning.

Each day began with cups of tea, conversation and introductions, including some short presentations by the Arnhem Weavers. New comers chose the style of weaving to begin and the day began to unfolded. Baskets were or sale to the public but once the participants learnt to appreciate effort, skill and history gone into the baskets they were quickly bought by those inside. The workshop ended with a finale to what was a truly amazing and enriching experience for all.

Thanks you to all those who participated, to the Harmony Festival and NRCL.

Visit to Little Yarra Steiner School, Yarra Junction

On the Thursday afternoon before the workshop, we all went to Little Yarra Steiner School. It was a large and enthusiastic group of students and staff from years 10-12. We began with a short presentation using some photos from Mapuru. Then the women went outside to weave in the shade of a large gum. The men stayed inside and watched the beginning of Dhakiyarr vs the King which provoked discussion about how non-Indigenous Australians might find better ways to recognize Indigenous law and culture than have been managed in the past.

Again, thank you to everyone involved.

Visit to Oona Pathsways, Healesville

On the Thursday morning before the workshop the three teachers from Arnhem Weavers and workshop organizers were invited to visit the Oonah Pathways Program for young Indigenous people in Healesville. The students were joined by some parents, sisters and other members of the community, one of whom was a local woman who welcomed us to her people’s country.

The morning went fast as Arnhem Weavers spoke a little about their homeland Mapuru and then got onto weaving. Once the weaving started and Oonah sorted us all out with tea, coffee and snacks the morning filled with conversation, stories and of course subtle directions in weaving as a few shared baskets were passed around. At the end some of the men slipped away to try their arms at spear throwing.

Thank you to everyone involved, especially Oonah for inviting us.

Information Evening – February 12

Information Evening ~ Friday Feb 12th 7pm
Café 8, 2460 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

$10 adults / $5 Kids

Come and hear some insights into remote Indigenous living from Yarra Valley residents recently returned from Arnhem Land. This Information Evening is being run to raise funds to bring three senior women artists from the Mapuru Homeland to the Yarra Valley to share traditional weaving skills their families have practised for thousands of years during a three day workshop held as part of the 2010 Upper Yarra Harmony Festival.

• stories & questions
• presentations & photos
• examples of weaving
• door prize
• silent auction
• drinks & cake for sale
• bookings for workshop