Traditional Aboriginal weaving circles have been happening at the Tamworth Youthie this week, in preparation for Friday’s NAIDOC Week family fun day and corroboree in Bicentennial Park.
Nakeatee Simon lead a group of young and old Indigenous women in traditional weaving practices. The group of women are weaving headbands, skirts, belts and bracelets for a traditional corroboree, that will be preformed at the family fun day.
It’s a special moment for Tamworth NAIDOC organisers, as it’s the first time the local kids will wear they’re own handcrafted items at the corroboree.
“Weaving holds cultural significance with Aboriginal people, allowing us to connect with our elders and connecting closer to land,” Ms Simon said.
Using traditional rufia grass, it takes the group an average of two days to complete weaving an item,which the group will wear for their performance on Friday.
For some kids, the cultural workshops are their first chance to learn about weaving and traditional dance.
“I hope by teaching the girls weaving, the circle continues and in turn they teach their children,” Ms Simon said.
The NAIDOC march kicks off from Viaduct park at 10am, with the family fun day to start at 10.30am after the conclusion of the march at Bicentennial park.
