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First Nations festival, Warami, kicks off with National Sorry Day event

25 May 2022
Culture and cultural heritage
Three women dressed in orange costumes and wearing white paint on arms and faces, move around a stage holding leafy branches.

Warami, now in its fourth year, honours the arts, music, languages and connection to the land of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

WHAT: Warami, now in its fourth year, honours the arts, music, languages and connection to the land of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The six-week festival, run by the City of Parramatta, kicks off on National Sorry Day, Thursday 26 May, with a smoking ceremony, traditional weaving, and performances by soul singer Evie J Willie and Jannawi Dance Clan.

WHEN: Thursday 26 May, 10am-3pm

WHERE: Old Government House, Parramatta Park

WHO: Interviews available on request

MORE INFORMATION: In addition to National Sorry Day, Warami also includes activities during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June, and this year’s theme ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ acknowledges the unfinished business of reconciliation.

On Saturday 28 May, a panel discussion, Yuin Byalla (‘truth talking’), will take place at Riverside Theatres, offering a glimpse into First Nations conversations around reconciliation.

Riverside Theatres will also host a series of events to celebrate NAIDOC week, 3-10 July. On Wednesday 6 July, there will be a free screening of Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow, a feature documentary about the lives and love story of Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach. That will be followed by a screening of Ablaze, the true story of first Aboriginal filmmaker William Bill Onus, on Saturday 9 July.

On 2 and 3 July, there will be a series of free children’s workshops with Koori Kinnections for 7 to 12-year-olds at Parramatta Square.

Warami wraps up on Sunday 10 July with NAIDOC Burramatta at Pavilion Flat, Parramatta Park from 10.30am to 5pm. This family-friendly event celebrates this year’s theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show up!’ with kids’ workshops, market stalls, food and performances.

For more information, visit atparramatta.com/warami