Team members, staff and guests at the Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation and Gallawah Foundation yarn-up.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
New connections are being made between First Nations people, elders and allies in Shepparton.
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Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation joined forces with the Gallawah Foundation to host the first of their monthly cultural yarn-ups in Shepparton on Tuesday, June 25.
Michaela Walsh, who manages the MMIC’s events, funding and advertising, said the cultural yarn-ups were a good opportunity for “elders to come together” with other First Nations people, and to “keep on working towards understanding and connecting with culture”.
“We’ve got a strong community and strong elders. (So we thought) let’s do our own thing and connect (with them),” she said.
“A lot of people just want to know more about culture.”
Ms Walsh said First Nations people, elders and allies connected with truth-telling, and quite emotional stories were shared at the inaugural Shepparton event.
(Back) MMIC cultural guidance leader Uncle Eric Brown, First Peoples Victoria Treaty community engagement officer Jarvis Atkinson, Gallawah Foundation chief executive Aunty Tina Powney, Gallawah Foundation support co-ordinator Kiarra Justin, Gallawah Foundation rostering manager Julie Ladgrove, (front) Gallawah hub leader Kenisha Howell and MMIC chief executive Aunty Iris Troutman.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The MMIC also hosts cultural yarn-ups in Yarrawonga and Cobram, and is now trying to “fill in what’s needed in Shepp”.
The yarn-ups are not strictly for First Nations people, and there’s an “open invitation” for “anyone who wants to come and learn about culture”.
“Come and grab a cuppa, share a story, connect to culture and enjoy being part of a community participating in traditional activities like women’s weaving, dot painting and men’s didgeridoo art in a safe space,” Ms Walsh said.
MMIC is a community-focused, not-for-profit, 85 per cent First Nations-run organisation. Its aim is to provide assistance for First Nations people who aren’t living on country.
The next Shepparton cultural yarn-up will be on Tuesday, July 30 at the Gallawah Foundation, 228-234 High St, Shepparton.
If you would like to know more, or are interested in partnering with Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation, contact Aunty Iris Troutman on 0477 528 246 or manymobsvichq@gmail.com
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