LEARNING ACTIVITY
Creating a yarning circle: background
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Age Range: 7-13

STORY

Jarrah was always interested in the yarning circle area at the National Arboretum in Canberra, Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country.
He felt that such a space likely held importance to his people but wasn’t sure why. He decided to ask Adam, a Wiradjuri man living on Ngunnawal/Ngambri land, the next time they explored the garden together.

Adam: “Hi Jarrah! How are you bud? Ready to learn more about some of the plants in the garden here?”
Jarrah: “Hi Uncle, I sure am, but I wanted to ask about that yarning circle area. I always feel a connection there. Is it something our ancestors would use?”
Adam: “Yes, yarning circles are important to us culturally. They are used as a place to discuss issues, share knowledge and stories, and much more. This one at the Arboretum has been built by machines and with some of the local Elders’ input, but we would have these spaces naturally on country, too. Sometimes our old people would just sit in a circle in the sand or dirt to conduct these circles; other times, like in the high country here, they would sit on large boulders and stones that helped.”
Jarrah: “Wow, that sounds like an important practice. Maybe it’s something I can do with my friends at school?”
Adam: “Excellent idea! Yarning circles are great to have in a school. You can go there for a yarn, brainstorm ideas, or even fix problems. Have a chat with your teachers and give me a yell if you need a hand.”

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

This activity introduces children to the idea of a yarning circle and its importance in First Nations Culture.

This activity is the first activity in an 8-part activity sequence that has been developed to help you design, build and use a yarning circle in your space. The order of these learning activities are: background, site selection, involving First Nations people, building the yarning circle, connecting to Landcare, using the yarning circle, yarning circle activities and yarning and wellbeing.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • understand the concept of a yarning circle
  • learn how a yarning circle was and is still used today
  • appreciate how being in a circle allows everyone to be seen and heard.
SEASONAL NOTES

This activity can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Did you know?

Yarning circles have been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, across many different Nations, for centuries to share knowledge, stories and build respectful relationships.

Did you know?

Some modern First Nations community gatherings, especially in northern parts of Australia, can see over 400 people attend the yarning.

Did you know?

A key strength of yarning circles is that there is no hierarchy – everyone is of a shared status and can share their views and opinions equally, harmoniously and with no judgement.

Did you know?

A key strength of yarning circles is that there is no hierarchy – everyone is of a shared status and can share their views and opinions equally, harmoniously and with no judgement.

We value your feedback

When you have finished this learning activity, please tell us what you think with our survey.
Your feedback will help Landcare Australia improve the activities in the Junior Landcare Learning Centre.

Why not try one of our other Junior Landcare learning activities?

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Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: resources from the bush

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Creating a yarning circle: involving First Nations people

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