Yarning Online OnCountry: KurruPurra Pila Weaving

Spiny sedge is one native plant that has both environmental and cultural benefits. The sedge has traditionally been harvested for weaving, however knowledge around harvesting and understanding the sedge has declined since colonisation. The Yarning Online OnCountry: KurruPurra Pila Weaving, led by Aboroginal Elders with support from Master weavers and and organsiations including Local Lands Services and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services will facilitate regeneration of riparian vegetation including spiny sedge.

The program consists of a series of creative, oral history and skill development workshops on weaving, land management/regeneration led by Elders, artists and land management personnel for the direct benefit of Aboroignal people, community health and well-being. The workshop outcomes include:

-Revegetation of riparian areas

-Community understanding of the cultural and environmental value of riparian vegetation

-People with new skills including flora identification, planting and harvesting

-Cultural knowledge shared to younger generations including stories of Songlines, understanding of natural fibres, and weaving.

The project will start with a week-long OnCountry Gathering of Elders and Co-ordinaters in Bourke to introduce the project, where the spiny sedge will be harvested and planted, and where the weaving will take place. Elders have an active role in identifying partner organisations and participants and will establish the cultural protocols that will govern all activities. Following the opening Gathering, Elders will participate in eight weekly Online and OnCountry workshops that will include cultural knowledge, creative practices, oral history and other skill development including weaving techniques. In addition to weaving activities and knowledge, the workshops will include presentations from local Aboriginal service providers and funding bodies.