Celebrating First Nations culture through art and connection to country

Bamara’s apprenticeships team, alongside trainees from South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), recently teamed up to experience a vibrant day dedicated to celebrating First Nations culture. 

This team bonding event provided activities and workshops highlighting the importance of connection, storytelling, and country by diving deep into the history and significance behind handcrafted First Nations culture, and it was great to see so many smiles throughout the day on everyone’s faces. 

As a Specialist Apprenticeship Connect Provider, we offer free specialised services to First Nations apprentices and employers, including SWSLHD across New South Wales. Our service aims to get the most out of an Australian Apprenticeship, which includes mentoring and personal support services tailored specifically for First Nations apprentices and their employers and delivered by First Nations Mentors. 

The male trainees participated in a boomerang painting workshop, transforming their personal stories into art by creating their boomerangs. 

The female trainees engaged in a weaving workshop, where they learned traditional weaving techniques. Through this practice, they crafted beautiful pieces while discovering the significant role weaving plays in storytelling and cultural preservation.  

Bamara First Nations Mentor Kain Hurst facilitated the boomerang workshop for the male trainees. The workshop allowed Kain to share his knowledge about the significance of boomerangs in his culture, covering their practical uses and symbolic meanings. This experience proved to be a memorable and meaningful day for him. 

“I decided to have the boys create their boomerangs as a way for them to paint and design their journeys through life,” Kain said.  

“This activity not only enhances how we as mentors share our lived experiences and insights regarding the services we offer, but it also provides a valuable opportunity for participants to explore and learn more about their own culture.” 

For Kain, the workshops were not just about teaching new skills; they were an opportunity to instil a sense of pride and understanding of First Nations culture among all participants. 

These activities fostered connections among the participants, allowing them to share experiences and insights, thereby deepening their understanding of First Nations culture and the rich traditions that continue to thrive today.  

By the end of the event, everyone left with their handcrafted pieces and a richer understanding of the rich traditions of First Nations culture. It was a truly memorable occasion celebrating heritage and artistic expression in a meaningful way. 

About Australian Apprenticeship Support Services

Bamara is a First Nations Specialist Provider of Australian Apprenticeship Support Services, a free service which we deliver across New South Wales.

If you’re a First Nations apprentice/trainee or an employer, we will support you to get the most out of an Australian Apprenticeship.