Festival Exclusive
Kindred People opens with a ceremonial gathering that welcomes audiences to Boonwurrung Country and marks the beginning of the festival.
Commencing at the Weelam Ngalut (Our Place) sculpture by Megan Cope, situated on the Learning and Teaching Building North Lawn, with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, we then move together in procession to Robert Blackwood Hall. All Monash students, staff and public are invited to participate in this moment of cultural strengthening and allyship.
This gathering honours Knowledge Holders, Elders and community, transforming familiar academic rituals through a Blak lens. You will hear from senior cultural custodians and artists as we celebrate the opening of Kindred People and the exciting week of activities that awaits.
Kindred People is an Indigenous‑led gathering held on Boonwurrung Country, guided by Elders and an Indigenous Steering Committee. Each event sits within a broader program of ceremony, performance and knowledge exchange, grounded in respect for Country and the sharing of living Indigenous knowledges. These works invite audiences to listen deeply, learn together and come to the gathering with care.
