Kindred People, Naarm's new First Nations festival of arts, culture and knowledge, is officially set to kick off on September 1.
Kindred People is the powerful new Indigenous-led festival weaving together global First Nations arts, culture and knowledge.
Running September 1-5 on Monash University's campuses on Boonwurrung Country, the program encompasses performances, talks, workshops and gatherings that foreground First Nations perspectives and cultural exchange.
At its centre is kummargi yulendj gadhaba, a dedicated two-day speakers program focused on dialogue and collective thinking.
Meaning "knowledge rising up together" in Boonwurrung, it creates space for First Nations voices to connect through conversation, reflection and exchange.
The performance program will feature two major world premieres from leading First Nations artists: The Scarecrow and Waa by Narrm-based Na Djinang Circus, a First Nations Circus company, creating bold work that is centred around the stories, ideas and opinions of young First Nations people, and Decolonising the Bells, a new experimental sound experience by Noongar composer and viola player Aaron Wyatt in collaboration with Speak Percussion that reimagines Victoria's 'Federation Handbells'.
Two Blood 雙血 (Victorian premiere) is an interdisciplinary and intercultural work from Australian Dance Theatre, created by award-winning writer S. Shakthidharan, and co-choreographers Daniel Riley (Wiradjuri) and Jasmin Sheppard (Tagalaka) Kindred People will also welcome exceptional international performances including He Huia Kaimanawa, Bianca Hyslop and Rowan Pierce's highly acclaimed performance experience that responds to the resurfacing, reclaiming and honouring of Māori language.
After a sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House in 2025, UPU will feature the poetic works of Pasifika writers in a unique theatrical spectacle.
At the heart of the festival is Kummargi yulendj gadhaba (knowledge rising up together), a two-day gathering on September 3-4 that brings together Indigenous knowledges, creativity, dialogue and exchange.
Over the two days, artists, community leaders, knowledge holders and academics will come together across keynotes, yarning sessions, workshops and performances to explore the ideas shaping a collective First Nations future.
A festival exclusive performance at The Count's from iconic blues elder, proud Guguyelandji and Woppaburra woman Marlene Cummins. Marlene will be joined by impresario Clayton Dooley on piano/hammond organ.
To close out the inaugural Kindred People Festival, Monash University welcomes all to djeembana yalinwa, a community day focused on bringing together a vibrant program of music, food, community and family-friendly experiences in a day-long celebration of First Nations culture.
Djeembana yalinwa will spread across the Forum Lawn, Chancellery Colonnade and Robert Blackwood Hall at the Monash University campus.
During the day attendees can wander through a community market for handcrafted goods and treasures featuring local Indigenous-owned businesses curated by Kinya Lerrk, experience live music on the outdoor stage curated by Songlines Aboriginal Music and enjoy delicious First Nations food and drinks from Pawa Catering.
From 1pm on the outdoor stage hear Dungala Baimi, Leo Whyman and Canisha, then from 4pm, opens for a free concert featuring the multi-award-winning Electric Fields, Velvet Trip and Alice Skye.
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