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Practising and sharing culture while social distancing

14 May 2020
COVID-19
A white tile on a background of colourful Indigenous designs. In the tile are the words: Keep connected online. Video conference with friends and family to stay connected while being apart. At right are human figures in TV screens and another woman stand.

Coronavirus has had a big impact on how communities practise ceremony and culture. For many, this has been a difficult change to go through.

Coronavirus has had a big impact on how communities practise ceremony and culture. For many, this has been a difficult change to go through.

There are positives that can come from challenging times like these. The current COVID-19 situation provides an opportunity to find new ways to teach and share culture. Some of these new ways may even play a role in helping keep culture strong for future generations.

A big part of this is using technology to help teach culture. For example, using the video conferencing apps can allow lessons in culture to continue. Mobile phones or laptops can be used to stream live videos of carving, painting, weaving, and have others watch on.

Of course, it won’t be exactly the same, and won't replace what has been done for thousands of years, but using technology provides different avenues to share culture now and into the future.

But using can help us to connect with family, community and culture while spending more time at home.