Talking about our generations

Talented duo lend their voices to teach children about reconciliation and Indigenous culture

Two important calendar events this year are National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, both of which bring intergenerational significance and celebration.

As happens annually, a variety of events will be held across Redlands Coast for both weeks, but there are two little ones for little ones that are worth singling out as fantastic ways to introduce and encourage young children to be part of the reconciliation process.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 (27 May to 3 June) is “Be a Voice for Generations” and encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in their everyday lives.

Quandamooka man Matt Burns will be sharing his voice with Redlands Coast’s youngest generation at an event at Cleveland Library on Tuesday 30 May (9.30am-10am) as part of reconciliation week celebrations. Bookings will be taken from 22 May.

He will be teaching children (aged 3 to 5) about the history behind some of the traditional dances of the Quandamooka People, and then dancing together with the children to the sounds of the didgeridoo.

Quandamooka People are the Traditional Owners of Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island and Matt has been dancing and sharing traditional Quandamooka stories and knowledge for more than 20 years.

NAIDOC Week is held annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday and falls this year from 2-9 July. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

A fun little precursor for youngsters is Renata Jayne’s NAIDOC Show which will be held at the Cleveland Library the week before on Tuesday 27 June from 9.30-

10.15am. Bookings will be taken from 27 May.

Renata has worked with children since the early 1990s in Australia and internationally. During that time she has written 22 shows for children and her NAIDOC show specifically aims to help children learn about caring for country.

Her show explains the history of First Nations people and touches on language, dance and face painting.

For more information about both of these events and many more at Redland City Council Libraries, go to redland.qld.gov. au/LibraryWhatsOn and book your place.