New Yarning Circles complete
By Megan Andrews
COMMUNITYYarning Circles were recently completed at UniSA’s Mawson Lakes and Whyalla campuses.
The Yarning Circles were created in partnership with local Elders and provide a culturally respectful and inclusive space for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to gather.
An official opening was held for the Whyalla Yarning Circle in September, which was attended by more than 50 people including Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone, UniSA’s Standing Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, Pro Vice Chancellor Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy Professor Tina Brodie and campus manager Paul Havelberg.
A Welcome to Country was delivered by Barngarla woman Zena Wingfield, who unveiled an artwork of the Yarning Circle that was created by local artists within the Whyalla Aboriginal Women's Group, which will be exhibited at Whyalla Campus.
At the event, Prof Hughes-Warrington highlighted the importance of Yarning Circles to the University's commitment to reconciliation. "For us, to have these on our campuses is a powerful reminder that they're not just a kind of statue, these are living classrooms that we want to see used all the time," she says.
Prof Brodie says Yarning Circles are both symbolic and physical representations. "While spaces like this do have a physical presence, they also bring culture onto campus and put Indigenous culture at the forefront for everyone to see and connect with,” she says.
The Mawson Lakes Yarning Circle was launched in Early November with the event well attended despite wet and windy weather. Attendees included Uncle Kevin (Dookie) O’Loughlin – Narungga and Kaurna Elder, Uncle Frank Wanganeen – Kaurna and Narungga Elder, Uncle David Rathman – Arrernte Elder, Aunty Lynette Crocker – Kaurna Elder, as well as Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington and UniSA Dean Aboriginal Research, Education and Engagement Sophie Murray.
A Welcome to Country was delivered by Uncle Frank Wanganeen and Cliffy Wilson – a proud Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, Ngadjuri and Arrente Man from Kuma Kaaru cultural services – who performed a smoking ceremony.
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