Scheduled to take place from October 1-15 across South Australia, this year's Nature Festival boasts an impressive lineup of more than 300 events – several of which will be spotlighting First Nations peoples and their culture.
Boasting numerous Aboriginal cultural events, the 2023 festival is striving to delve deep into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the South Australia's Indigenous peoples, their places and stories.
Having already kicked off with Festival Cultural Ambassadors Ngangki Warra opening the festival on September 30, events range from traditional bush tucker workshops to profound Dreaming Track insights and captivating performances.
The majority of the Indigenous events on the program promise to delve deep into the rich heritage of the Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Adnyamathanha peoples, as well as other Traditional Owners groups of the land now known as South Australia.
These groups hold a rich cultural heritage and spiritual connection to Country. They also have deep knowledge of the land that continues to be celebrated and shared with the wider community.
Determined to celebrate and advocate for a deeper relationship with nature and the environment, Nature Festival has selected two cultural ambassadors who embody and value just that.
This year Ngangki Warra cultural group and Aboriginal Cultural Service Mentor, Jack Buckskin have been selected as the festivals cultural ambassadors.
"As human beings in the environment, it is crucial for us to understand that we are a speck... we have our own place in this environment just like every other living creature," Mr Buckskin said.
"My connection and relationship to nature is that of the First Nations people of this land, but it's also my responsibility to teach, educate and acknowledge the stories of the past and how it makes us who we are today."
The festival's First Nations events include the Paint and Sip: Kaurna Art Workshop (October 6), Kaurna Bush Tucker Workshop and Memories we Carry of Nature Food and Place discussion (October 7) as well as Kaurna woman Elaine Magias' weaving workshop (October 1 and 8).
"I love to create an environment where people feel comfortable and relaxed. Where conversations and cultural stories are shared," said Kaurna woman and weaver, Elaine Magias.
Nature Festival will also host the World Premiere of Kaurna Yerta – The Seasons on October 14, alongside The Bowerbird Collective. This one-hour cinematic concert is set to feature stunning visuals, immersive soundscapes, song, dance, and ceremony.
Nature Festival aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of South Australian Aboriginal culture, with attendees given the opportunity to connect with the land, heritage, and traditions of the Kaurna people through a variety of different events, workshops and panels.
Throughout the fortnight long event, attendees can expect a celebration of the natural world with a diverse range of arts and cultural events that aim to inspire, entertain, and educate people of all ages, genders and identities.
Nature Festival's full schedule, including ticket information is available at www.naturefestival.org.au.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
