8 ways to connect with First Nations cultures and communities

Aboriginal artist Judy Watson’s work represents a giant bara, or fishhook crafted and used by Gadigal women for thousands of generations.

Celebrating the First Peoples of Sydney, the traditional custodians of Gadigal Country, you can find the work on Tarpeian Precinct Lawn above Dubbagullee (Bennelong Point). Learn more about this stunning new artwork on Sydney Harbour.

From there, you can find more First Nations public artworks.

Sydney Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday 7 June with an opening night screening of Warwick Thornton’s Cannes-selected new film The New Boy.

The film stars Cate Blanchett, Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair and newcomer Aswan Reid in a story of spirituality and survival set in 1940s Australia.

The Sydney Film Festival program includes 7 First Nations films.

You can also watch First Nations films free by using your City of Sydney Library membership at Beamafilm.

This year, Vivid Sydney is celebrating First Nations front and centre with a range of light installations, music and events.

Check out Barerarerungar by Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke. In Boonwurrung, a language from Kulin Nation, barerarerungar means 'country.' The work depicts river reeds which symbolise safe travels and friendship.

Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, presents Yuldea at the Sydney Opera House.

Frances Rings’ first work as artistic director is a ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage. Yuldea tells the story of the Anangu people of the Great Victorian Desert. It explores the moment traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation in 1917.

Yuldea features original music by Leon Rodgers with featured songs by multi-award winning electronic pop duo Electric Fields (Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross).

Join the library and access over 2,000 titles in our Koori collection. From bush medicine, bush tucker, astronomy, philosophy and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, there’s something in the collection for everyone.

At the Art Gallery of NSW’s North Building, you’ll find the Yiribana Gallery. The collection showcases First Nations art from across the continent in a range of practices and mediums.

From outside, you can see Lorraine Connelly-Northey’s major commission Narrbong-galang (many bags). The work is made from rusted and salvaged metals.

You can also take a guided tour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works at the Museum of Contemporary Art or a Waranara tour at the Australian Museum.

Dreamtime Southern runs walking tours through the Rocks and coach tours further afield, both focusing on living Dreamtime cultural trails. Tribal Warrior is a Redfern organisation offering different themed cruises, including cultural tours.

Our own Sydney Culture Walks app allows you to take self-guided walks. The Barani Redfern and Barani Sydney Cove/Warrane walks offer great learning experiences.

Check out what’s on this National Reconciliation Week.

Our top picks are:

Tribal Warrior cultural cruise Learn about the traditional culture, history and stories of Sydney Harbour aboard the Mari Nawi (Big Canoe). You’ll hear stories of the Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal peoples of Sydney Harbour and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks.

The cruise on Saturday 27 May includes a tour of Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island) and a cultural performance. A light lunch, tea and coffee are provided.

Tickets are $10 and spaces are strictly limited. Book now.