Wominjeka Festival on the banks of the Maribyrnong River

The West is home to a long and diverse tradition of Black activism, art and cultural practice. Fittingly, Wominjeka Festival happens on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

Led by Elders in Residence, Uncle Larry Walsh and N’Arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM and the Indigenous Advisory Group, Wominjeka presents an exciting line up of emerging and recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in a free family day of ceremony, performance, music and traditional workshops.

From mid-morning, meander through the indigenous art and product led Black market, explore workshops where you can weave your own wonder and have a yarn with artist Donna Blackall or enjoy tunes from DJ Kalyani.

Join Elders and Community in a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony featuring Djirri Djirri Dancers, Yarran Bundle and friends and new Possum Skin Cloak presentation.

From mid afternoon onwards, Still Here Now concert kicks off with performances from Homelands featuring First Nations artists, Charlie Needs Braces, Robert Bundle, Nathan May and Maurial Spearim, supported by Daniel J Marquez & Ann Metry. Immerse yourself in the captivating performances by Maylene Slater Burns and be transfixed by Yung Warriors.

“Wominjeka is finally here after three years of disruption and disconnection for all the community. First Nations led Wominjeka is the most important date in the Footscray Arts Centre’s calendar as it gives us the licence to do the work that we do all year on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung land. It is a celebration of community, place and art all in one day,” said Dan Mitchell Senior Producer Indigenous Cultural Program, Footscray Community Arts.

In this celebration of culture and connection we are reminded that the modern age is shaped by the oldest living culture in the world, and over the years — through colonisation — the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community remains as staunch and as vibrant as ever.

EVENT SCHEDULE

11am – 6pm: Donna Blackall Weaving Workshop
Kalyani Chill DJ Set
Yidaki Players
Black market

1.30pm – 2.30pm – Wominjeka Ceremony:
Elders Welcome and Smoking
Djirri Djirri Dancers
Possum Skin Cloak Presentation and Story

2.50pm – 6.30pm – Wominjeka Concert Main Stage Moreland Street Lawn Carpark North
MC Ben Moodie
Homelands featuring Charlie Needs Braces, Robert Bundle, Nathan May, Maurial Spearim supported by Daniel J Marquez & Ann Metry
Maylene Slater Burns
Yung Warriors
SojuGang

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Wominjeka Festival 2022
Date: Saturday 22 October 2022
Location: Footscray Community Arts, 45 Moreland St, Footscray 3011
Time: 11am-6.30pm
Cost:  FREE
More information here

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Header image: Tarryn Love, koorramook – Possum, 2022