The City of Canterbury Bankstown is launching a new three-month cultural celebration: Let’s Go First Nations.

Let’s Go First Nations will open a door into the history and culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, says Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Khal Asfour.

“I’m excited to give our community the opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle and beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a chance for you to find out about all kinds of things, including Dreamtime stories, songs and basket weaving, as well as to meet our local elders and ask any questions you may have,” says Mayor Asfour.

“I’m particularly looking forward to tasting different types of bush tucker!” he says.

The celebration opens with a ceremony tonight at BLaKC Café at Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre, featuring a Welcome to Country ceremony and a smoking ceremony, an ancient Aboriginal custom with strong spiritual significance.  This will be followed by traditional Aboriginal dance featuring the Koomurri Dancers, a digeridoo performance and much more. Bush tucker refreshments will be provided.

During September, October and November, the libraries will be running workshops and activities, including cultural experience workshops featuring musical instruments, songs and dance.

Crafts include basket weaving and bracelet-making. Come to a bush tucker talk to sample traditional fare and find out how it was used for medicine and healing as well as food.  There are movies, and, for the younger kids, a Dreamtime preschool story time. 

See the full program for Let’s Go First Nations, and book tickets for the launch and other events at cb.city/Lets-Go-First-Nations or call 9707 9713.