Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa:
First Nations Land and Water Management Forum
27-29 August 2024 saw our events team bring to life Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa, First Nations Land and Water Management Forum on Larrakia Nation in Darwin.
The culmination of a year’s working with the National Indigenous Australians Agency to bring the largest gathering of First Nations Rangers and supporting organisations together with a focus on sharing knowledge and practices to keep land and water Country strong by preserving the unique resources through the effective management of Country.
33 Creative were proud to deliver the three day forum at the Darwin Convention Centre with On Country experiences delivered by Larrakia Nation. An Interactive Marketplace full of local and national organisations that support the sector as well as producing a gala night with local performances, fabulous food and the First Nations Night Market which was a huge success for the First Nations businesses that participated.
Our event artwork was created by the super talented Trent ‘Bundirrik’ Lee. Trent is a Larrakia artist who has spent a lifetime learning from his father and family to paint, carve and tell the stories of his people. At around 7 years of age, he was taught by his father to paint in his traditional method. As his skills progressed, he learnt how to carve, creating cultural artefacts, tools, spears, boomerangs and other carving like birds, turtles and stingrays just to name a few. His craft has continued to evolve and you can see if creation on surfboards, footballs, records, and has created street art.
Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa (Strong Country), 2024 by Trent ‘Bundirrik’ Lee
Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa depicts the wise owl with impectable eyesight, keeping an eye on country, water ways and people – connecting us with our spiritual energy. Lee includes referenced to the Larrakia community and connection to Country and dramatic gradient of sky hues linking all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Peoples.
The four circles present the significant themes of the 2024 First Nations Land and Water Management Forum, supporting organisations to build capability and foster partnership while building understanding of Indigenous land and water management priorities across the nation; Learning from old ways (Culture); Embracing the new ways (Technology); Learning from each other (Collaboration) and Looking forward to our future (Strategic). The feathers on top of owl show all rangers coming together, the most important aspect of the Forum, the choices made to become a ranger, and nurture a strong Country.
The three-day forum included a Gala dinner that featured local produce in the fine dining menu from the wonderful team at the Darwin Convention Centre. Our talented musicians and outstanding line up of entertainment was delivered by The Youth Mill Performing Arts Company, a local First Nations performing arts group that nurtures Young First Nations talent and empowers Indigenous artists by intertwining traditional heritage with contemporary expression.
