4 Creative Ways to Deepen Your Understanding of First Nations Culture

Did you know you can learn Dot painting, immerse yourself in a bush tucker tasting or discover the local history of the Gadigal people on a walking tour? These creative experiences led by local Indigenous makers, artists and guides, offer the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of First Nations history and culture. Not only that, but they’re an incredible way to actively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and run small businesses.

To help you get started, here are four experiences our community has loved that share and celebrate Indigenous culture.

1. Weave and connect with culture

Weaving is so much more than a craft for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Wiradjuri woman and artist Peta Joy from Wiradjuri Wave says, "When we weave and we create our baskets, bracelets, dilly bags, something magical tends to happen which is you feel so relaxed you start having these conversations with one another that you wouldn't normally have.”

If you’re eager to tap into this mindful cultural experience and connect with others, Peta runs weaving workshops to create armbands and coil baskets across Sydney. For those on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, learn how to weave and uncover its cultural significance with Barkindtji woman Tegan of Ngumpie Weaving at a weekend workshop. They even offer a DIY weaving kit for anyone outside of Sydney. Gold Coast residents can also try this Indigenous Weaving Workshop with Dreamtime Artistry.

“I love how simple Ngumpie Weaving make this. I have never weaved a basket before and this kit is so easy to use and my basket is coming along nicely.” Jodi B, Aboriginal Basket Weaving Kit

2. Taste and learn about bush tucker with a local guide

A bush food tour and tasting is one great way to experience Indigenous knowledge. Learn how these foods were traditionally used as a sustainable source of food and medicine and how you can incorporate bush tucker into your own cooking. Wardandi Bibbulmun woman, Dale Tilbrook, runs an insightful tasting experience in Perth, the perfect way to connect with the local Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation and expand your cultural knowledge.

“What an amazing way to spend a couple of hours. Dale is so lovely and very knowledgeable. I learned so much, not only about bush tucker but about our First Nations culture.” Gillian M, Bush Tucker Tasting and Wellbeing Experience

3. Learn through storytelling with Aboriginal Dot Art

Immerse yourself in a Dot art class and create a personal artwork as you draw on Aboriginal storytelling techniques. Kabushka Ngemba’s Aboriginal Dot art circle workshop is a fun and casual way for Sydneysiders to explore this Indigenous art form and learn more about First Nations culture. If you’re in Brisbane or Moreton Bay, a similar Dot art class with Wiradjuri man, Stephen Tolley, is a relaxed way to connect with culture.

“It was a privilege to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal culture and take part in creating a beautiful art piece we can reflect upon.” - Emily G, Indigenous Aboriginal Dot Painting Class

4. Discover the rich history of the Gadigal People

Dreamtime Southern X is a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned operator and has been running tours in Warrane (Sydney Cove) for over two decades. If you’re a local Sydneysider, expect to see the city in a new light, as Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, or one of her knowledgeable team members will highlight the traditions of the Gadigal People and the living Indigenous culture still within areas like The Rocks and Circular Quay. For those visiting the city, this Dreaming walking tour is the perfect way to learn a deeper history behind some of Sydney’s iconic landmarks.

“I grew up in Sydney and it was so enriching to be guided by Amanda around these areas and learn so much about her traditions. I have a new perspective of the foreshore, one that includes Amanda's stories of her ancestors and how they lived their lives in harmonious relationship with the land, as well as how traditions continue in her life today.” - Kathleen, Illi-langi Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Ready to connect with our knowledgeable community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander makers, artists and guides? Discover creative First Nations cultural experiences near you today.