AWAYE! - Separate stories podcast: Recent Episodes
ABC Radio
AWAYE! presents a diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia and the best from Indigenous radio broadcasters around the world.
Hailing from Maningrida in Arnhem Land, The Ripple Effect Band is an all-girl saltwater rock group forging new ground.Band mates Tara Rostron, Jolene Lawrence and Jodie Kell discuss how the band has developed over the years and what impact they’re having on their community.
Susie Anderson’s poetry captures profound meaning in moments that often slip through the cracks.
Trinity Clarke is a Young Language Chamption with First Languages Australia, and Word Up''s language legend this month.This week she explains that the Kuku Yanlanji word that means 'to speak', or 'language of a place' is shared across several neighbouring language groups.
The Stiff Gins hardly need an introduction — their music speaks for them.For twenty years Nardi Simpson and Kaleen Briggs have been writing and performing together in a style they describe as "acoustic with harmonies".As they look back over their career they reflect on how they've grown creatively and personally.
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and artist from across Australia.
With historical and contemporary works from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection and Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art – the exhibition showcases the innovation, the complexities and the skillfulness of First Nations artists.
Ever Present opened at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in December 2021, and then went on to the National Gallery of Singapore in May 2022 before arriving in Auckland Art Gallery in Aotearoa.
To celebrate the release of her third album Head Noise, Tia Gostelow explains what brought her back to her roots.
Gyak, also known as the northern corrobboree frog, holds special significance for Wulgalu people but is in need of protection from the threat of an introduced fungus.
In honour of National Science Week, Shane Herrington and Susanna Boyd explain how they've been taking part in a cultural and community focused approach to conservation.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAAs) is a cornerstone of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
For 40 years the NATSIAAs have celebrated the remarkable skill of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia.
Major prize winner Keith Wikmunea, along with Brenda L. Croft who won the art on paper category, and Anne Nginyangka Thompson who's ceramic artwork saw her take home the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award, discuss the creativity and cultural expression behind their works.
don’t ask what the bird look like by Hannah Belanszky is a new play that grapples with finding identity though cultural reconnection.
And although Hannah says this isn’t an autobiographical story, it is one inspired by her own journey of cultural discovery.
Ahead of its world premiere at Brisbane Festival, Hannah and Queensland Theatre's Artistic Elder, Aunty Roxanne McDonald discuss how they're bringing the play to life.
Lisa Sorbie Martin is one of the many local artists featured at BLEACH* — a contemporary arts festival on the Gold Coast that is now in it's 12th year.
Lisa discusses her art making and the importance of festivals like BLEAH*.
David Doyle is a Barkindji/Malyangapa artist, plant knowledge holder and health worker.
For Word Up he shares the Barkindji name for Murray Cod.
Bundjalung Nghari - Indigenise will bring together four writers with stories from across the Bundjalung Nation — each presenting a theatrical reading in front of live audiences as part of a partnership between Northern Rivers Performing Arts and the Byron Bay Writers Festival.
Rhoda and writer Kirk talk about how Bundjalung Nghari has grown since it began in 2022.
William Barton is set to become the first Indigenous person to receive the Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music, which recognises musicians who have had a profound impact on the Australian music scene.
At 42, he's also the youngest person to receive this award but whichever way you read it, the Kalkadunga man has spent a lifetime honing his craft.
William discusses the significance of this award and how he's seen the western classical cannon embrace traditional music.
While touring with Karul Projects — the dance company he co-founded —Thomas ES Kelly occasionally find himself in places so deeply impacted by colonial violence that a Welcome to Country wasn’t possible.
Places where the local mob didn’t “publicly” survive colonisation and it got him thinking — when this happens, who sings them on to their ancestors?
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the proppaNOW artist collective.
Made up of a diverse group of contemporary Aboriginal artists the collective has been at the forefront of an art movement that explores the politics of Aboriginal art and culture.
Tony Albert, Megan Cope, Gordon Hookey, along with new members Lily Eather and Warraba Weatherall were in conversation with Dr Stephen Gilchris at the National Art School to discuss the need for critical thinking and the expansion of Indigenous knowledge across the globe.
You can hear the full panel recording on the National Art School website
Each year Cairns Indigenous Art Fair showcases art by contemporary Indigenous Australian artists from all over Far North Queensland, this year themed ‘Weaving our Future: Claiming our Sovereignty’,
Since it was first published almost ten years ago, Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu reframed the colonial lens through which Australia understood Indigenous history. It also became the flashpoint in a culture war, and in new documentary The Dark Emu Story Bruce reflects on getting caught in the fight.
Wiradjuri composer and sound artist Naretha Williams started working on her new album in early 2021 as part of an arts residency at the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio during lockdown. Then she found that she had a work that spoke to the insurmountable distance and endless unknowns - Into Dusk We Fall.
11-year-old Noongar Wongi rapper Inkabee and his dad Flewent discuss how they've been balancing school and music, and what drives the young rapper to write.
A late night phone call from her uncle sent Bundjalung woman Shauna Bostock on a journey to uncover her family history.
The result is a book, Reaching Through Time, which reveals the cataclysmic impact of colonisation on Aboriginal families, and how this ripples through to the present.
Shauna Bostock explains why she wanted to share her story and what she hopes people can take from it.
Phil Breslin has been meeting weapon makers and science experts to lift the lid on the genius of Australia's oldest and most innovative weapons.
With the premier of First Weapons, Phil shares what he's learnt along the way, and what educators and entertainers have in common.
As Dharug man Billy Bain surfs his way from Gadigal Country to Bundjalung Country, he delves into frontier injustices and the ways in which saltwater mob continue their culture for ABC TV's Changing Tides.
William Tilmouth is an East Arrente man and the founding chair of Childrens Ground.
Ahead of the National NAIDOC Week Awards, where William has been nominated for Male Elder of the Year, he discusses what drives him.
Kylie Bracknell is a Noongar woman and language champion.
In 2016 Kylie was Word Up’s inaugural guest.
Now, she returns to share a Noongar word that has a special significance — ‘ancestor’.
Now in its fourth year, the National Indigenous Art Fair will take over the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Saturday 1 to Sunday 2 July.
The art fair brings together remote and regional art centres and artists for a weekend of talks, demonstrations, performances and a huge ethical marketplace.
Maxine Charlie is one of the artists who has travelled from Broome in Yawuru Country to Gadigal Country to take part in the festivities.
As Maxine prepares to show her work, she explains what brought her to the National Indigenous Art Fair this year.
David Doyle is an artist, an advocate for the Barkaa – also known as the Darling River – and plant knowledge holder.
When he thinks about this year’s NAIDOC Week theme of For Our Elders one of the people that comes to mind is Uncle Badger Bates
Arrente and Kalkadoon woman Rachel Perkins is an exceptionally accomplished writer, director, and producer.
She’s also a respected educator, leader, and mentor.
For Rachel, this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “For Our Elders” brings to mind a trailblazer of First Nations media… Alfreda Glynn.
Zena Cumpston and David Doyle are two Barkandji artists and thinkers whose work share a common thread of Country and the reciprocal relationship that exists between us.
Recorded live at the Australia Museum for Vivid Sydney, Zena Cumpston and David Doyle discuss their connection to country and how it impacts their work.
Whem Dr Anita Heiss reflects on this year's NAIDOC Week theme "For Our Elders" literary trailblazer Aunty Ruby Langford Gibini comes to mind.
Kamilaroi writer Jacob K Gallagher, and Bundjalung/Gumbayngirr poet Dakota Feirer have each been named this year's black&write! fellowship recipients.
They discuss their respective unpublished manuscripts, and what it means to contribute to the growing community of First Nations writers.
Yuldea in the Great Victorian Desert, is a site with many layers of historical and cultural significance, and for Frances Rings it holds personal significance too.
That's why Yuldea is the subject of Frances' first full-length choreographic work now that she's taken on the role of artistic director at Bangarra Dance Theatre,
She discusses how the work came together, and the importance of creative collaboration.
Dancer and a choreographer Sani Townson reflects on two of his elders that have influenced his creative path and what they’ve taught him about eldership.
Gillian Moody talks Kindred, the documentary she made with her long time friend and collaborator Adrian Russell Wills that premiers at Sydney Film Festival.
James Tylor is a disciplinary artist with a passion for Kaurna language.
For Word Up this week, James shares a Kaurna word that means to prepare your mind for a challenge…
Fred Leone is a Buchella songman with a passion for language revitalisation.
But when he reflects on the path he walks there are many Elders and cultural leaders who paved the way.
Today, in honour of this year's NAIDOC theme "For Our Elders" Fred reflects on one of those people — Aunty Joyce Bonner.
When it comes to Film Festivals, St Kilda Film Festival offers something a little different.
It’s Australia’s longest running short film festival and with over 100 films this year.
Fred Gesha is the First Nations Arts Festivals and Events Officer.
As the festival kicks off, Fred discusses the programmed for this year and how his music background has influenced the way he thinks about programming.
Uncle Kutcha Edwards has been blending song writing and activism for over 30 years now.
To him, it’s like dropping a pebble in the water and allowing the act to create ever expanding ripples.
And that's exactly what he intends to do at his upcoming show at Melbouren's Rising Festival — Waripa.
It means 'ceremony' in Mutti Mutti and Uncle Kutcha says Waripa is as much a contemporary ceremony as it is an opportunity to hear some of the best Black musicians.
Gudanji and Wakaja woman Debra Dank is a mother and grandmother, teacher, and the author of We Come With This Place.Last year Deb spoke to Awaye to celebrate the released her book which is as much a tribute to her family and Country as it was a gorgeous memoir.Now, We Come With This Place has swept the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards winning four of the fourteen prizes including the top honour, Book of the Year.
More than a singer; Uncle Jimmy Little was a consummate performer who could effortlessly hold an audience — one who's career spanned over 40 years and blazed a trail in the Australian music industry.And now his daughter Frances Peters-Little has released a long-awaited biography.Frances explains how her background as a historian and documentary maker influenced her writing, and shares why she believes all Blackfullas should consider life-writing.
Since joining the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in 2004, Keith Munro has been a leader and advisor on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives.And now he's been appointed as the first Director, First Nations Art and Cultures at the Museum.Keith explains what the role means to him and how it will shape the MCA.
Andrew Gurruwiwi is the shy-but-extravagant, blind, keytar-wielding Yolngu elder and frontman of the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band.Ahead of his upcoming show at the Garrmalang Festival in Darwin, Andrew discusses his song 'Gatjumak' and what drew him to music.
Ngarinyman is the language from the northern Victoria River region in the Northern Territory.This month, Mikayla Shaw-Friday shares some Ngarinyman words that describe the time of day.She begins this week with the Ngarinyman word for 'morning time'.
The National 4 brings together four leading Sydney cultural institutions to present the work of 48 new artists projects from around the country.Some of those artists share their stories with us, including Sharyn Egan, Teho Ropeyarn, and Christopher Bassi.
Yindyamarra is not so much a Wiradjuri word as an ethical practice – a philosophy about reciprocity.It’s now also the name of a podcast co-hosted by Stan Grant and Jack Jacobs, and run out of Charles Sturt University, which has its main campus in Bathurst — right there in Wiradjuri country.
The Bleeding Tree by Angus Cerini is a play that hits you like a shot to the head.And now, it’s returning to Perth with an all First Nations cast and a First Nations director.Ian Michael and Karla Hart discuss what drew them to The Bleeding Tree, and what it's been like to return.
Award-winning artist and powerful vocalist Mo'Ju reflects on finding inspiration amidst change and why ORO PLATA MATA is the definition of a concept album.
Alexis Wright's Praiseworthy is an epic set in the north of Australia, told with the richness of language and scale of imagery for which she has become renowned.In honour of the novel's release, Alexis discusses how fiction deepens understandings, and why she layers stories upon stories.
As the light festival Parrtjima prepares to launch its eighth consecutive year, Paul Ah Chee discusses how Parrtjima continues to find the light in Mparntwe Alice Springs.
After spending nearly 30 years working as a midwife, Janty Blair has found a new calling in stand-up comedy.Ahead of the Brisbane Comedy Festival where she'll be performing with the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, Janty looked back over the whirlwind year she's had and explained what prompted her to get up on stage.Warning: this discussion contains the names of people who have died.
Filmed in lutruwita/Tasmania, Country is as much of a protagonist of Alone Australia as the competitors themselves. And not everyone is working to conquer her.Duane Byrne's is one of a handful of First Nations people cast for this new iteration of the cult hit, and he explains how the show has changed his relationship to community.
From sculpture and ceramics to the cartoons featured in the Koori Mail, Danny Eastwood’s work is both prolific and iconic.He says his art is his heart and his voice – a means of talking about his life experiences, culture, and heritage. And now, it’s on display at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre as part of his solo exhibition.
Almost five years since Dan Sultan was last on road, he is set to begin touring again.And with the release of two new songs already this year, he discusses how his career has developed and why this is not a comeback.
In 2019, Tony Briggs launched a weekend long festival dedicated to First Nations filmmakers from around the world — Birraranga Film Festival.Now in its third iteration, the biannual event is bigger than ever.
Thea has been named the recipient of the 2023 La Prairie Art Award.The award supports Australian women artists through an international artist residency, including travelling to Switzerland to attend the Art Basel international art fair in June.Following the announcement, Thea explains what the honour means to her.
The Stars Descend is an ambitious work that consists of five chapters, crafted for five different communities in the south-west of Western Australia.Malgana woman Janine Oxenham is one of the choreographers of the work, as well as a performer — one of the literal stars.Between rehearsals Janine explains how the show came together.
Ahead of her performance at the Hand In Hand Kidogo Irish Aboriginal Festival gospel blues singer Olive Knight shares why she's still something on a hidden gem despite having graced some of the biggest stages in the world.
Yugambeh linguist Shaun Davies shares a word that his old people created in the early days of colonisation.
When poet and multidisciplinary artist Jazz Money was asked to write an anthem for a major international LGBTIQA+ choral festival they began by thinking about the community and networks of care.With the help of composer Joseph Twist, it became "This is How We Love" and was performed by more than 500 singers from over a dozen choirs at Out & Loud & Proud.
Yuin dancer and songwoman Sharon Mason knows the power of culture to heal.As founder of the Djaadjawan Dancers, she’s been revitalising Yuin song and dance on the NSW far south coast for years, and inviting other women on her journey.Now, Sharon is realising a long-held dream to bring traditional gatherings back to Country.
Aaron Wyatt is a Noongar, Yamatji and Wongai man from Perth and the first Indigenous person to conduct one of the major orchestras in Australia.But growing up, Aaron didn’t really see himself pursuing a career in music.Ahead of his March performance as part of Musica Viva Edge, Aaron explains how his many skills fold into and compliment each other, from performing to conducting to engineering.
Drag takes on more forms than there are colours in the rainbow. And Roymata Holmes is using one of those forms in their show I Am King/Queen – an autobiographical exploration of gender, culture and intersectionality.Roymata discusses how they’ve navigated the boundaries between private narratives and public performance.
A health advocate with a long career in the community and the sector, Sue is one of the Koorie Wirguls – a lesbian support group set up in the 1980s which maintained a strong presence in the parade.She's also a board member of Sydney WorldPride.For the Muru-ba Indigenous oral history project, Sue shares her thoughts about the nature of pride: what it means to live in pride, and what she’s most proud of.
The Huxley's work connects the world of photography, art-making, performance and drag and their latest exhibition Bloodlines is no different.
Dalara Williams is someone probably best known for her acting, but she's recently been named 2022 Balnaves Foundation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellow.It's one of the country's most prestigious playwriting awards, and over the next 18 months Dalara will use the fellowship to develop a show set just down the road from Belvoir.
Deborah Cheetham’s life story is both fascinating and heartbreaking — and it’s one of those Indigenous oral histories being collected for Muruba, a project for Sydney WorldPride.The Yorta Yorta soprano and composer discusses what 'pride' means to her, and why she's no stranger to a sense of occasion.
Kamilaroi/Bigambul man Archie Moore is a contemporary artist whose career has spanned more than 25 years.Now he's set to become only the second Aboriginal artist to singularly present at the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s oldest events of its kind.Archie explains how he explores themes of racism, national identity and his own family history through art.
The government’s newly released national cultural policy is a comprehensive road map that establishes the priorities for the federal government in terms of arts and culture.
In this excerpt of the Muru-ba Indigenous Oral History Project, Colin Ross reflects on what pride means to him as one of those who fought to stop the shame and the isolation — and the invisibility — that affected HIV-positive Black queer mob in the 80s and 90s.
On 8 February 1993, Clayton Lewis broadcast the first ever episode of Awaye on ABC RN.The goal was to reflect the depth, diversity and vitality of Indigenous culture through the arts. This week some of the people who've shaped Awaye discuss the way this principle holds true 30 years on.
Muru-ba is an Indigenous oral history project designed to unearth stories of LGBTQI+ community leaders for whom the notion of “pride” isn’t just a matter of sexual identity. For Ngarigo artist Peter Waples-Crowe, pride is 'a life long thing'.
They say some babies grow into their names.Meanwhile others fully inhabit the name their parents choose, as if it was ordained to be so before they were born.That’s what Lorna Munro found when she named her son a particularly beautiful word in Gomeroi, her father’s language.
Muruwari and Pilipino rapper DOBBY has carved out a name for himself by delivering songs with a strong message, and his new song That’s Not Me is continuing along this rich vein.
Julie Janson's crime fiction debut Muddaka The River Serpent is set in regional New South Wales, and features an aunty who’ll stop at nothing when it comes to fighting for her people and her land.
Bangarra Dance Theatre's new iteration of Dance Clan features the choreographic work from three artists, each of whom are either current or former dancers of the company.Ahead of the season premier choreographer Sani Townson shared the inspiration behind his work.
Poet and podcaster Lorna Munro explains how meaning and a particular worldview is embedded, and embodied, in the Gomeroi word 'yilaalu'.
Ray Ingrey is a Dharawal man and chairperson of the Gujaga Foundation.Based in La Perouse it was created to instil a sense of cultural belonging in the area, and for Ray learning Dharawal language is central to this mission.
When then Prime Minister Paul Keating gave the historic Redfern speech on 10 December 1992, he challenged the nation to confront its past and open its heart.For the first time in Australia’s history a prime minister publicly acknowledged the critical role the government played in Aboriginal dispossession from land and the injustices of removing Aboriginal children from their families.Today you’ll return to the park where Mr Keating changed the national conversation.
Singer-songwriter Royston Sagigi-Baira (also known as Royston Noel) shares some Kala Lagaw Ya and explains why he loves being an uncle.
Deline Briscoe discusses how BLAKTIVISM will celebrate and explore the space between music and activism.
Choreographer Daniel Riley is the great-great-nephew of the iconic Wiradjuri tracker, Alec "Tracker" Riley, and the artistic director of the Australian Dance Theatre on Kaurna Yerta.In January 2023 ADT, in association with Illbijeri Theatre Company, will bring Tracker Riley's story to the stage with the aptly named production TRACKER.But first, Daniel had to go back to Dubbo on Wiradjuri Country.
Stephanie Skinner is a traditional owner of Wadawurrung country and she started learning her language as a kid, before eventually building her conversational skills and becoming a passionate language advocate.
As a choreographer, Joel Bray is adept at blurring the lines between audience and performer, and his new work promises to be no different.
Developed in close consultation with Wiradjuri Elders, Garabari is Joel's newest immersive performance.
He discusses the making of Garabari, and what it was like to shift to the other side of the creative table at a contemporary dance company he's worked with for so many years.
For Word Up this week, Merindi Schreiber shares some Kuku Yalanji, including a phrase that encapsulates what learning means to her.
Aunty Lorrain Tye, Uncle James Ingram, and Aunty Mary Atinkson are three of the Elders who contributed to the anthology Growing Up Wiradjuri.
They explain why they shared their stories, and what it was like growing up Wiradjuri.
For Word Up this week, Rulla Kelly-Mansell shares some palawa kani — a constructed language based on various languages spoken around the east of the island.
Nathan May's two biggest passions in life are his family and music.
When he's not busy being a dad or working as a youth mentor in his community, Nathan is writing and recording music.
Kodie Bedford is an East Kimberley girl who knew she wanted to be a screenwriter after watching an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Now, with over a decade of experience under her belt, Kodie has been nominated for AWGIE Awards for her work on the phenomenal shows Firebite (AMC+) and All My Friends Are Racist (ABC).
Ahead of the awards, Kodie discusses how she made the jump from journalism to screenwriting, and why Australia needs to keep investing in local talent.
Over the past week First Nations arts and culture practitioners gathered on Kaurna Yerta in Adelaide for Purrumpa.
For Karuna Narangga woman Elaine Magias learning her language wasn't just something she wanted to do, it was something she needed to do.
Maya Johnson is a Wulgurukaba woman, from Magnetic Island.
For Word Up this week she shares the cultural name of the island and explains how it came to be formed.
Maya Johnson is a Wulgurukaba woman, from Magnetic Island.
For Word Up this week she shares the cultural name of the island and explains how it came to be formed.
Dhungutti man Dr Mitchell Gibbs says that science can learn a lot from the arts, starting with not being too strict, too one dimensional.
Dhungutti man Dr Mitchell Gibbs says that science can learn a lot from the arts, starting with not being too strict, too one dimensional.
Common Ground's latest collection of Bedtime Stories will feature the dreaming, knowledge and language of the Wiradjuri Nation.
Common Ground's latest collection of Bedtime Stories will feature the dreaming, knowledge and language of the Wiradjuri Nation.
Dr Mykaela Saunders is the latest recipient of the David Unaipon Award for an Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Writer.
She explains how her research into First Nations speculative fiction has influenced her writing, and why she's drawn to writing Blackfullas into the future.
Dr Mykaela Saunders is the latest recipient of the David Unaipon Award for an Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Writer.
She explains how her research into First Nations speculative fiction has influenced her writing, and why she's drawn to writing Blackfullas into the future.
With the release of Vince Copley AM's posthumously published autobiography The Wonder of Little Things, his daughter Kara McEwan explains how the book came together over many cups of tea.
Kuku Yalandji and Woppaburra woman Marlene Cummins is an activist, a mother, a musician, a radio host, an actor, an artist, a cultural educator and so much more. Marlene speaks to you about finding her voice in the blues.
With the release of Vince Copley AM's posthumously published autobiography The Wonder of Little Things, his daughter Kara McEwan explains how the book came together over many cups of tea.
Juanita Scott-Funaki is a Yuin and Kamilaroi woman who grew on New South Wales' south coast.
This week she shares some Yuin words that remind her of her beloved grandfather.
Juanita Scott-Funaki is a Yuin and Kamilaroi woman who grew on New South Wales' south coast.
This week she shares some Yuin words that remind her of her beloved grandfather.
Kuku Yalandji and Woppaburra woman Marlene Cummins is an activist, a mother, a musician, a radio host, an actor, an artist, a cultural educator and so much more. Marlene speaks to you about finding her voice in the blues.
Originally written by John Harding and Gary Foley The Dirty Mile was originally a promenade play. Well now it has a second life as a radio play.
Originally written by John Harding and Gary Foley The Dirty Mile was originally a promenade play. Well now it has a second life as a radio play.
Fred Leone, Alethea Beetson and Vincent Namatjira are three of the five Indigenous recipients of this year's Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship.
They discuss what impact the $160 000 fellowships will have on their lives and their art practices.
Fred Leone, Alethea Beetson and Vincent Namatjira are three of the five Indigenous recipients of this year's Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship.
They discuss what impact the $160 000 fellowships will have on their lives and their art practices.
Central and Eastern Arrernte man Craig Tilmouth grew up in and around Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
He shares some Arrernte language, including a few phrases likely to be heard around Mparntwe.
Central and Eastern Arrernte man Craig Tilmouth grew up in and around Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
He shares some Arrernte language, including a few phrases likely to be heard around Mparntwe.
Kirk Page will soon take the stage in Michael Mohammed Ahmad's new physical theatre work The Demon.
Kirk Page will soon take the stage in Michael Mohammed Ahmad's new physical theatre work The Demon.
Art. Justice. Resistance. Transformation.
Entropy Awakening is an exhibition from Gamilaroi artist Travis De Vries and curated by Dr Marie Hadley presenting provocative perspectives on anti-racism protest, agency, and First Nations futurisms.
Art. Justice. Resistance. Transformation.
Entropy Awakening is an exhibition from Gamilaroi artist Travis De Vries and curated by Dr Marie Hadley presenting provocative perspectives on anti-racism protest, agency, and First Nations futurisms.
Playwright Brodie Murray discusses his new show The Whisper which is set to debut at Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Clark Webb has been hugely influential in bringing Gumbaynggirr back into his home community, even helping establish the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School.
Jem Cassar-Daley is turning heads on her own terms, in her own style with the release of her indie/pop EP I Don't Know Who To Call.
For the past two years Ronald Briggs has worked with the community, families, and founding members of the Koori Knockout to curate an exhibition aimed at capturing the history, pride and excitement of the event.
Actor and singer Ursula Yovich's love of languages is intrinsically linked with her love of music.
For Word Up today Ursula is sharing some of her mother's language, Burarra.
Filmmaker Rachel Perkins has spent the past five years delving into the Frontier Wars for her new docu-series The Australian Wars.
In October Carriageworks will host the first of three events honour the founders and legacies of First Nations contemporary theatre, dance and politics.
For Word Up this week, artist Gordon Hookey shares some Waanyi language, including a word that describes the sound of a boomerang spinning in the water.
When it comes to telling the story of Uncle Jack Charles, no one really does it better than the man himself.
Read Daniel Browning's moving tribute to Uncle Jack Charles here: 'I called him Uncle': Remembering iconic theatre great Uncle Jack Charles
The passing of Uncle Jack Charles has many reflecting on his life and legacy — and certainly one of Uncle Jack's most memorable roles was that of his one-man-show, Jack Charles v The Crown.
As she reflects on the impact Uncle Jack had on Blak theatre over the years, Rachael Maza explains how directing Jack Charles v The Crown showed her a whole new side of him as a performer.
Deline Briscoe shares three more Kuku Yalanji words and explains how her relationship with language has developed.
After releasing her debut track Falling Noongar singer-songwriter Bumpy took a two-year hiatus from releasing music.
But now she's back with a vengeance.
For choreographer and dancer Thomas E. Kelly thinking about silence leads to the question 'what does it take to break silence'.
Thomas discusses how unheard conversations and their muted responses go to the heart of Karul Projects' new work, Silence.
In February the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales was hit with the biggest flood in modern Australian history.
The floodwaters reached 14.5 metres, destroying businesses and homes including the offices of the Aboriginal owned and operated newspaper The Koori Mail.
Naomi Moran explains how the newspaper is still contributing to the massive community relief effort.
Aunty Christine Stuart is a Gubbi Gubbi elder and cultural educator living and working on her country.
For Word Up this week she takes you to Queensland's sunshine coast to share some of her language, including the Gubbi Gubbi word for 'fire'.
Created by Stephen Page and his son Hunter Page-Lochard, alongside Sani Townson and Elma Kris, Waru is Bangarra Dance Theatre's first dedicated work for children.
How do we honour the histories we have inherited, while also creating new stories?
What role does community play in the often solitary practice of poetry?
These two questions are at the heart of sessions Jazz Money crafted as a guest curator for Melbourne Writers Festival.
Anita Heiss discusses how the stage version of Tiddas is opening up new elements of the original 2014 novel for her.
Ryan Clapham, aka Dobby, explains how it felt to win the Archie Roach Foundation award, so soon after the legendary songman's passing.
Trevor Byrne discusses his late-father's memoir Living in Hope and the way it pieces together fragments of the past.
In the heart of the southern Murray Basin, Uncle Vince Ross shares some of his language — Muthi Muthi.
Alethea Beetson is a Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri storyteller, and her work often explores societal issues, cultural heritage and colonisation — Queen City is no different.
For Word Up, author Debra Dank shares some Gudanji language, including the name of her favourite food.
Leah Lui-Chivizhe discusses the fascinating (and heartbreaking) history of turtle shell masks of the Torres Strait.
Next month, songman Paul Ah Chee will blend music and storytelling on stage as he reflects on "a life travelled through six decades."
In honour of Uncle Archie, this is a small excerpt his 2008 interview with ABC's Daniel Browning about the making of his album Journey.
Produced by Lann Levinge, First Light will feature Yalanji singer Deline Briscoe and invites guests ground their feet in the sand as the sun rises over the sea.
Meriam artist Aunty Gail Mabo shares some of her language, including a song that she sings to her young ones.
The Telstra NATSIAAs is the most lucrative First Nations art awards, today you meet some of the winners.
Craig Quartermaine didn't start learning Noongar language until later in life, but being surrounded by a passionate community is helping him make up for lost time.
The National Indigenous Music Awards are returning to Larrakia Country after two years of false starts.
Wakka Wakka woman Brooke Prentis explains how learning the word for 'emu' highlighted the impact of colonisation for her.
Aunty Gail Mabo's Tagai (warrior in the sky) is named after the star constellation that is used to navigate throughout the Torres Strait Islands.
Musician Stephen Pigram explains why he cherished learning Yawuru language from his grandmother.
Gudanji educator Debra Dank explains why she used non-linear storytelling in her new novel We Come With This Place.
Touching on the funeral rites of the Yolŋu people, Waŋa (Spirit) is an evocative new dance worked that will premiere at Darwin Festival next month.
Dr Lois Peeler explains how her family has influenced her work, and what it means to have been named NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year.
Yued and Wiilman Noongar actress Tuuli Narkle shares some Noongar language, including the word for spirit.
After 23 years Wesley Enoch is bringing his musical The Sunshine Club back to the stage.
Beloved Elder and self-described reformed ratbag has been named this year's NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year.
Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson shares some language that has been important to her art practice.
Yorta Yorta composer Deborah Cheetham has been a leader and pioneer in the Australian arts landscape for more than 25 years.
Australia’s first female Aboriginal photojournalist Aunty Barbara McGrady has been snapping key moments through a Blak lens for most of her life.
Lionel Fogarty's new poetry collection is full of all of the urgency, energy and linguistic audacity you’d expect from him.
For Word Up this week we travel to the Top End to learn some Kungarakan from Dr Wendy Ludwig.
Kylie Bracknell wins Deutsche Bank Fellowship for First Nations Creatives at the Sydney Film Festival.
Jessie Lloyd is back with Ailan Songs Project — a project about songs from the Torres Strait and Australia's top end.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra prepares for Of This Earth, a new composition from Kalkadunga man William Barton
Marlon Motlop and Rulla Kelly Mansel talk about their music project Marlon X Rulla, and provide a taste of their new track Unceded
Jasmine Seymour is a Dharug writer, artist and teacher with a passion for learning and revitalising her language.
Naomi Hobson's whimsical photographic series Adolescent Wonderland is directly inspired by both her environment and the young people of her community.
Author Tony Birch explains how growing up in Fitzroy influenced his writing, as well as his ideas of masculinity and conflict resolution.
Uncle Michael has been instrumental in starting and teaching many Gumbaynggirr language programs in northern New South Wales.
Sweatshop Literacy Movement’s second iteration of Another Australia contains three works from Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson.
Prolific artist Daniel Boyd has produced his first major solo exhibition, Treasure Island is on now at the Gallery of NSW
Cinematic anthology We Are Still Here is a poetic and powerful statement of resistance and survival.
Musician Jessie Lloyd shares some Kala Lagaw Ya from the Torres Strait, including a phrase that'll make you check yourself.
Stephen Page has won a Red Ochre Award for outstanding lifetime achievement in Indigenous arts
For Uncle Wes Marne being an Elder is no joke. For Word Up, he shares some of the Bigambul words that he learnt from the stories of his old people.
A multigenerational panel of essayists, poets, critics and thinkers will explore what "Unmitegatedly Black" success looks like in literary spaces, and the value of collectivism.
An exciting new artist residency is set to launch in Bourke as part of a community wellbeing and engagement program.
Written and composed by Gamillaroi/Biripai musician, composer and filmmaker Troy Russell, The Last Shot tells a fictionalised story of Troy’s great-grandparents.
The Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) program has published an annual volume of poetry by First Nations inmates in Junee Correctional Centre for a decade.
Rella remixes the Cinderella story, challenging ideas of who is beautiful and what family means.
Vicki Couzens Possum Skin Cloak Story is being featured alongside a range of creative practitioners and community groups at Collective Movements
Bundjalung writer Evelyn Araluen wins the Stella Prize 2022 for her debut poetry collection Drop Bear.
Jagera man Benny Wilson shares some of his language — including the name for a special mountain on his Country.
Paul Girrawah House uses traditional scarring techniques as a part of the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial.
Ngarrindjeri man Jonathan Stier aka Eskatology discusses his new single Don’t Say (Goodbye)
Maree Yoelu shares some Batjamalh words from her short story, Song of the Narwadina which is featured in Unlimited Futures.
"When you write a story about the end of the world what you're actually writing about is what's worth saving."
A spectacular headdress, that just recently was returned to the Lardil people on Mornington Island after decades in an overseas collection.
For Word Up this week we hear some of the traditional language of South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, Narungga.
Kirrae Wurrong-Bundjalung singer-songwriter on her band Jalgany, and new EP Red Dust, Salt Water
Aidan Hartshorn is a Walgalu man of the Ngurmal Nation, situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains region in New South Wales.
Whether you want to drape yourself in red, black and yellow; swim in blue, white and green; or paint the town pink Kolour Me Kweer in Western Sydney has you covered.
Leanne Tobin is presenting Ngalawan – We Live, We Remain: The Call of Ngura at this years Sydney biennale.
Wiradjuri artist SJ Norman isn’t afraid to sit with the mess and trouble of a work — both figuratively and literally.
Indigenous X is an independent blak media company that found its legs as a Twitter account, and this month, is that Twitter accounts 10-year anniversary.
A preview of Ceremony with Hetti Perkins, senior Curator-at-large of the fourth National Indigenous Art Triennial.
Tara Bonney shares the Bunganditj word for the turquoise blue crater inside what is now known as Mount Gambier.
After a raft of cancellations due to COVID-19 lockdowns Alice Skye will soon begin touring her second album, I Feel Better But I Don't Feel Good.
It’s been eight years in the making, but the final update of a project mapping massacres on Australia’s colonial frontier has been released.
Dja Dja Wurrung man Trent Nelson shares some of his language, including the word for bark.
Take Heart: Deadly Heart tells the story of how remote Aboriginal communities across the top end of Australia are adopting innovative strategies to eliminate rheumatic heart disease.
Uncle Kutcha Edwards shares with us an important phrase in Mutti Mutti, and explains how he used music and culture to reclaim his language, and his identity.
Deadly|Solid|Staunch is a celebration of First Nations LGBTIQ+ mob curated by Wemba Wemba man Steven Ross.
Meyne Wyatt’s debut play City of Gold is back for another run, this time in Western Australia.
Koori Mail's General Manager Naomi Moran explains how the newspaper is working to support its community in the wake of the recent floods.
Thiinma and Warriyangga man Peter Salmon explains the role his stepfather and maternal grandfather had in his life.
86-year-old Peter Salmon has spent most of his life as a stockman, but recently he’s become a bit of a media darling.
Ahead of her appearance at the Sydney Opera House's All About Women Festival, Dr Aileen Moreton-Robinson discusses introducing her work to the next generation.
Annalee Pope is a descendant of Wakka Wakka people, and is passionate about inspiring younger generations to get involved in Indigenous language revitalisation.
Kutcha Edwards has released a new album, it's called Circling Time and the singer songwriter caught up with us to talk about some of the stories behind the songs.
Only a handful of Kaidailt Elders remain who remember living on Bentinck Island. Together they share how they're holding tight to their homelands, despite a lifetime of dispossession and dislocation.
Dhungala Baarka, songwomen Nancy Bates and Allara Briggs Pattison explore the Murray Darling
Neenah shares three words from her father's language of Darumbal, including a word that has a very different meaning in her mother’s Gamilaroi language.
Nathan Maynard's latest play At What Cost? explores the themes of identity and Aboriginality.
Archie Roach has a busy 2022 ahead with lots of community projects and a National tour.
Don Rowlands is a Wangkangurru Elder who's spent the better part of his life caring for his desert country as a traditional ranger. For Word Up, he shares some Wangkangurru language including the meaning of the name Wangkangurru.
This March, Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival returns to celebrate First Nations stories, books and writers.
Set in a small town in the northwest of Western Australia in the 1960s, Panawathi Girl is being hailed as the next big Black musical.
The Lake of Scars is a new documentary that tracks the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage from Dja Dja Wurrung country around the Bendigo region of central Victoria.
Donna is a Munaldjali and Nunukul woman whose language learning was inspired by her grandmother.
Ruth Dayvs and Pettina Love and two Indigenous language enthusiasts, who's new series Who What Where? teaches Wiradjuri language with puppets
Victor Steffensen explains why he wanted to shift his focus to younger generations, and how he first became interested in traditional fire knowledge himself.
Primavera is the Museum of Contemporary Art’s annual exhibition of emerging artists living and working in Australia. This year Primavera was curated by First Nations curator Hannah Presley
Neil Morris aka DRMNGNOW shares three Yort Yorta words — including one that demonstrates the connection Yorta Yorta mob have between goodness and beauty.
Acclaimed director of Sampson and Delilah Warrick Thorntons newest offering Firebite, is an Ozploitation vampire thriller set in outback Australia.
Last week, Stephen Page announced he was stepping down as Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Company but before handing over the reins he has a new, and deeply personal work to share.
Award-winning multiple disciplinary creator Kirli Saunders has released a new project called Returning.
Paying tribute to David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu AM, a legend of Indigenous cinema and a powerful performer.
Ilbijerri Theatre Company has invited fifteen playwrights to each write a ten-minute play in ten days.
Paul Ah Chee shares three words from his maternal grandmother's language — Yankuntjatjara.
This year for Dancerites the Sydney Opera House created a short archival film called DANCERITES - Deadly Moments.
Writing in the Sand is the authorised biography of the iconic band Yothu Yindi and shares their epic story of musical revolution.
Learning Wiradjuri has helped Jeanine Leane process some of the things that have happened to her, and her people.
Wiradjuri woman Jeanine Leane has become the first Indigenous woman to be recognised in the Biennial Helen Anne Bell Poetry Bequest Award.
Ensemble Offspring bring highlights from five of the Ngarra Burria alumni to the stage at Sydney Opera House.
Legendary songwriter Uncle Kev Carmody has been inducted into the 2021 NIMA Hall of Fame.
The National Indigenous Music Awards 2021 will be hosted on Triple J as a part of a two hour special event.
Kanakiya is an Anangu woman from South Australia, and her story is one of pride, culture and self determination.
Rapper Kobie Dee is exploring the idea of role models through his podcast Know Role Models.
Susan Moylan-Coombs explains the potential for traditional climate and nature-based practices in the race to rebalance the planet and reduce emissions.
Growing up Angela Giles would often need to blend Ngarrindjeri with English, but over the years she's been building her vocabulary.
Wash My Soul in the River's Flow blends concert footage, personal reflections, and rehearsals to provide a glimpse into the life stories of two much-loved Australian performer, Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach.
To celebrate black&write!'s tenth anniversary the State Library of Queensland will host an exhibition that maps the history of the project.
Baker Boy's debut album has been a long time in the making, but Gela is about more than just music.
Araatika: Rise Up! examines Indigenous history, pride, and self determination through the prism of Rugby League.
After ten years of writing, SJ Norman says the feeling of being finished with their debut Permafrost is almost as surreal as the stories within it.
Aunty Kerry Charlton shares some words in Yuggera language, including one for an iconic Australian bird.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales and Purple House have teamed up for a new exhibition, in an effortto raise money for in-community renal treatments across the Western Desert.
With a catalogue of work covering a multitude of literary fields to their name, Mununjali Yugambeh writer Ellen Van Neerven is nothing short of prolific. Now they're hoping to use their Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship to slow down.
Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury is one of the most successful kung fu films ever made, and now it's added another stripe to its belt.
From writing to release her new single One By One has been a long time in the making for Ancestress.
With the release of her debut solo track, Bumpy discusses finding power in vulnerability.
To mark the opening of Southern Highlands' first regional gallery, a new large-scale installation by Megan Cope was unveiled in Ngununggula's Entry Pavilion.
Angelina Karadada Boona shares some of her language — Wunambal — and explains why all her paintings are of Wandjina.
Ali Murphy-Oates has been named as one of nine Sidney Myer Creative Fellows, alongside writer Ellen van Neerven, musician Eric Avery, and painter Tjungkara Ken.
Corey Webster — or Nooky as he's known to fans of Australian hip hop — shares three of his favourite words from his language, Dhurga of the Yuin Nation.
Across February and March of 2022, Theatre Works will present the inaugural First Stories Festival to help and empower new First Nations writers as they put pen to paper.
To celebrate 25 years of performances Marrugeku have launched a book tracing the company's inception in Kunbarlanja to their current homes on Yawuru Country and Gadigal Land.
Rhianna Patrick's new podcast Blak Nation follows in the footsteps of the newspaper started by Uncle Ross Watson in 1982.
Using spoken-word pieces, stirring instrumentals, and epic ballads Bob Weatherall's album Restless Dream grapples with the task of repatriation and reburial.
Award winning author Marie Munkara explains some of the complexities of Rembarranga and shares a few of her words.
Ahead of the festival, Nici Cumpston shares some of the festival program highlights and explains how her curatorship was influenced by a conversation of Kaurna words.
When Joanne Bostock was diagnosed with COVID19 she wasn't particularly worried, but 12 hours later Jo had developed a fever and her oxygen levels had dropped.
Gulwanyang Moran has been following in her mother's footsteps, learning and sharing their language — Gathang.
During the wildfires of 2020 that ravaged the country and burnt 17 million hectares, a song came to Victor Steffensen.
Ngemba businesswoman Trish Frail explains how the vibrant community is banding together in this crisis.
Corey Tutt has been nominated for Australia Museums' 2021 Eureka Awards — he tells us what the nomination means to him.
From photography to film to her award-winning book Fiona Fole discusses why she’s interested in imagining, and re-imaging the past.
Latisha Harris says hearing elders speaking Wiradjuri with love and ease ignited her passion for learning language.
Tony Birch's Dark as Last Night captures the emotion and intricacy of daily experiences without glossing over life's complexities.
Darlene Johnson has been named the inaugural recipient of the Deutsche Bank Fellowship for First Nations Film Creatives.
In the midst of the New South Wales lockdown, state border restrictions have added another layer of complexity to communities like Goondiwindi.
Named for a ghost or spirit in the Bundjalung language, The Moogai is screenwriter and director Jon Bell's latest work.
Paul Collis shares some Barkindji words that demonstrate the beauty of his country, and his culture.
Author Claire Coleman's third book Lies Damned Lies is blending essay with memoir to explore the myths of Australia’s past, present and future through a very personal lens.
Author Claire Coleman's third book Lies Damned Lies is blending essay with memoir to explore the myths of Australia’s past, present and future through a very personal lens.
This week Robyn Smith shares what it's been like in lockdown for Pilliga locals, and how they've been working to keep their community safe.
The seeds of Jalgany were sown some ten years ago, when Nola Lauch met singer-guitarist Pete Dawson to sing an Archie Roach song at a cultural event — now Jalgany have released their debut single 'Koori Girl'.
A new documentary is laying bare stories of systemic racism in the Australian justice system, and puts First Nation storytellers first.
In Wilcannia it’s estimated around 7 percent of the town’s population has COVID-19. Leroy Johnson tells us how the outbreak is affecting the community.
An exhibition at State Library of Queensland is showcasing singlets, shirts, polos and jerseys created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to explore and showcase how they're telling our stories of history and culture.
Toby shares some Kullilli words that really capture his passion for language revitalisation.
In 1966, Vincent Lingiari led more than two hundred Aboriginal stockmen and domestic workers as they walked off the Wave Hill Cattle Station.
Kerryann Stanley tells us some of the challenges her community is facing while in lockdown, and what she's been doing to overcome them.
Megan Wilding has been awarded the 2021 Griffin Award for new Australian playwriting for her play GAME. SET. MATCH.
There's a word in the Gamilaraay language that muso Loren Ryan loves so much, that she wrote a song about it.
Emerging writer, poet and educator Jazz Money developed her poetry collection for more than half a decade.
Seven-year-old shares three words from her grandmother’s language, palawa kani — the reconstructed language of First Nations mob in Tasmania.
The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards have been announced
DIDG recently made their Laura Quinkan Dance Festival debut — something co-founder Patty Morris Banjo has dreamed of for years.
For Lou Bennett, the power of language is not so much in individual words but in the phrase.
Larissa Behrendt's latest novel After Story is about a mother and daughter on a tour of England’s most revered literary sites.
Heroes, Rebels and innovators: Inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from History by Karen Wyld is helping reframe the lens of history.
The renowned artist talks exhibitionism, public art and the personal message behind his upcoming installation, 'all these scares are mine'.
Growing up Emily spoke four languages including Mak Mak Marranunggu — her maternal great-grandfather’s language.
Introducing Beau James, the new Head of First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House.
Lillie Madden shares some of her grandmother’s language and explains why she’ll never be a turtle diver like her cousins.
Terri Janke's True Tracks framework, helps you navigate Indigenous Culture and Intellectual Property whether you’re talking about art, tourism, language, science, or fashion.
Ngangkari have a range of tools to look after the wellbeing of their communities. Now these traditional healers have a new one.
Did you know you’re speaking an Indigenous language when you say many Australian place names?
From Gunai to Gunggandji we revisit some healing words we've learnt over the past three years.
In a bid to improve community wellbeing, the traditional healers of central Australia have developed a set of meditations in language.
The fact of his life far exceeds our sense of historical time. In many ways, Mungo Man is more alive than dead.