On-Country Workshop and Cultural Cruise
| 6 March
HEALING THROUGH CONNECTION TO CULTURE, COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY
Connection to Country, culture and community is an integral aspect of mental, spiritual and physical wellness for many First Nations people. Culturally meaningful activities can provoke mindfulness and help to process trauma. Facilitating opportunities to connect to Country and culture are an important aspect of many grassroots suicide prevention programs, and it is similarly important for suicide prevention workers to take the time to draw strength from their culture and communities.
That is why this year, the Suicide Prevention Forum workshop day will move through a meaningful array of cultural activities including art therapy, an on Country walk and talk with the Gamay Rangers and finishing with Tribal Warrior’s cultural cruise around Sydney Harbour.
Throughout the day, you will learn how you can transfer the healing that you will
experience into your own communities and suicide prevention programs. This is also a great way to consolidate what you have learned at the two-day forum, and to continue networking with your peers in a more relaxed and intimate setting.
Facilitators:
Learning Objectives:
-
Experience the healing that being on country facilitates
-
Equip yourself with grounding exercises and healing tools to incorporate into your own practice and share with your community
-
Understand the cultural significance of the local land
-
Consolidate and put into practice your learnings from the forum in a hands-on setting
Agenda
9:00
Welcome
9:30
Attendees will be assigned to group 1 or 2
Group 1 – Walking with Gamay Rangers
Learn the local history of Gamay (Botany Bay) as experienced Gamay Rangers take you for walk on Country and explain the healing powers of the local flora and fauna.
Group 2 – Headdress Making and Boomerang Painting
An art therapy session fostering mindfulness
through cultural practices. Participants will also engage in yarning about mindfulness and positive ways to connect to Country.
10:30
Morning Tea
10:50
Groups 1 and 2 Switch Activity
Group 1 – Headdress Making and
Boomerang Painting
An art therapy session fostering mindfulness through cultural practices. Participants will also engage in yarning about mindfulness and positive ways to connect to Country.
Group 2 – Walking with Gamay Rangers
Learn the local history of Gamay (Botany Bay) as
experienced Gamay Rangers take you for walk on
Country and explain the healing powers of the
local flora and fauna.
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Bus departure for Circular Quay
2:00
Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise
As you cruise the world’s most beautiful harbour, you’ll hear captivating stories of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal, and Wallumedegal people, the original custodians of the lands surrounding Sydney. Learn the Aboriginal names and deep cultural meanings behind significant Sydney landmarks, enriching your understanding of this iconic city.
5:00
Cruise concludes, bus back to Brighton Beach