A guide on using the UNSW Canberra Community Circle Personalise Filtered cards
A Yarning Circle is a significantly important process that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use to learn, share, build respectful and caring relationships, pass on cultural knowledge through narrative, and come together as a community. The initial focus of the Yarning Circle is on Indigenous practices, messages, and ways of living; but it is not limited to this. The people present in the Circle have autonomy to discuss many different topics (within reason. Further details below). The Yarning Circle space encourages that people come with a mindful and caring demeanour towards themselves and each other during the yarn. There are varying protocols for conducting Yarning Circles depending on the Nation Group or community. This document provides a generic overview of a Yarning Circle which, when undertaken in a culturally appropriate manner, is suitable for all peoples. This Circle can be used for a range of purposes including teaching, learning, wellbeing matters and community gathering.Group work and discussions around assessment tasks are welcomed; however, try to remember the space is not intended for individual laptop study. Participating in a traditional Yarning Circle allows us to return to historical Aboriginal cultural practices of coming together as a community, sharing, and expanding knowledge. Entering a Yarning Circle should be viewed and recognised as a privilege for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Sitting in a Circle allows conversation and sharing to flow naturally - allowing all members of the group to be seen clearly, facing each other, and placed equally around the Circle. The Circle typically commences with an Acknowledgement of Country – which can be facilitated by anyone present – or a Welcome to Country if a Traditional Owner of the Lands is present. Example Acknowledgement of Country can be found on the posters around the Circle. At the commencement of the Circle, participants are encouraged to share three things about themselves: The Circle leader will play an integral role in steering the Yarning Stick throughout the Yarning Circle session. Nominate this person before commencing so they can take responsibility for ensuring all participants have an opportunity to share. How to create a Yarning Circle (11 mins) How to start a Yarning Circle (1:27s) There are two packs of Yarning Cards available for participants to use. These are provided to give facilitators and participants ideas for commencing a Yarning Circle discussion. Once in flow, participants are encouraged to take the conversation in whichever direction they, and others, feel comfortable with. There is no set script for a yarn – go with what feels natural. There is no right or wrong way. That said, there will be topics of conversation that should be avoided. We are all adults within the UNSW CBR community, and recommend facilitators and participants take a sensible approach towards this and raise any topics they do not wish to discuss before commencing. If you prefer not to participate in a formal Yarning Circle with a Yarning Stick, the space may be utilised for other matters. Some include: The Circle is multipurpose and available as an alternative space to meet with colleagues and friends to connect! You must book the Circle through your MS Outlook calendar by creating a meeting. Select the date and time you would like the space and email: [email protected] The meeting in your calendar will then be accepted or declined. If it is declined, please attempt to book a different date/time. The space is available for up to 60 minutes per booking. (For the purpose of this page and respect to Indigenous Peoples across Australia, we will only make reference to Yarning Circles here. UNSW CBRs Yarning Circle will formally be known as UNSW CBR Community Circle, to demonstrate that the Circle is a collective space for all the UNSW CBR community to share).The UNSW Canberra Community Circle is located in the Library (building 13).