From "Two Dreamtimes" (for Kath Walker)

If we are sisters, it's in this -
our grief for a lost country,
the place we dreamed in long ago,
poisoned now and crumbling.
Let us go back to that far time,
I riding the cleared hills,
plucking blue leaves for their eucalypt scent,
hearing the call of the plover,
in a land I thought was mine for life.
I mourn it as you mourn
the ripped length of the island beaches,
the drained paperbark swamps.

Judith Wright (permission of Meredith McKinney)

Indigenous Stream

In recognition of the pioneering work of Judith Wright, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Kevin Gilbert and Nugget Coombs, the Indigenous Stream is formed to nurture and facilitate the ongoing presence of Indigenous Australians at the Two Fires Festival. We welcome their leading role in dialogues, cultural performances and exhibitions. We hope to further communication, understanding and recognition of the environmental and spiritual wisdom embodied in the ways of Indigenous Australians. We also aim to understand better how to walk together, engage in cross-cultural dialogues, facilitate deeper understanding and bring about healing.

Some of the planned activities are:

Yuin Elder, Uncle Max Harrison, welcoming to country and opening the festival.

Bobby McLeod and Doonooch Dancers performing

Doonooch dancer Photo courtesy Noel Francis

Doonooch dancer lighting the Fire at the opening of the festival. Photo Courtesy Paul Cockram

Doonooch dancers Photo Courtesy Noel Francis

Cheryl Davison and other members of Kari Yalla Artists Co-op exhibiting their work.

Panel Discussion - 'Conciliation: Learning to listen and work together'

Saturday evening concert includes performances by Dave Steel (performed over years with Archie Roach), Johnnie Huckle and Indigenous dancers.

Walking the Land with Uncle Max Harrison.

Uncle Max Harrison Photo Courtesy Paris Silvester

Bobby McLeod and the Doonooch Dancers will perform.

Frances Peters-Little will be showing the multi-award winning film, 'Our Community'

Ideas and suggestions are welcomed.

Contact Merrie Hamilton (02) 4842 2401, Maria Bakas (02) 4842 8122
Christine Watson (02) 6230 7124.