In First Nations culture, a Yarning Circle is an important, Aboriginal way of coming together to talk, listen, share knowledge, and build relationships.
Participants sit in a circle, creating a respectful space where everyone has the opportunity to speak. The practice has strong connections to the traditions of oral storytelling, knowledge sharing, and community discussion.
“Yarning Circles support cultural learning and understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people,” First Nations Program Manager Shane Evans says.
“They provide a space for reflection and truth telling, particularly when discussing Reconciliation, identity, and history.
“Yarning Circles also encourage deep listening – we consider listening just as important as speaking.”
The annual Having a Yarn Breakfast event at Melbourne Grammar School centres on and celebrates this practice, this year welcoming AFL legend and beloved First Nations leader, Eddie Betts, who works to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in remote and regional Australia.
Attendees heard about Eddie’s early life growing up in Kalgoorlie, his experiences playing for Carlton and Adelaide, how he responded to instances of racism on the football field. They also learned about the Eddie Betts Foundation, which works to increase access to education and employment in over 18 communities through a focus on sport.
“Eddie’s story resonated with every one of us who was there on the morning,” Mr Evans says.
“It’s so important for our young ones to have experiences that give them knowledge, confidence, and an understanding of their choices for
the future.”
For Melbourne Grammar, this year’s breakfast was also an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate 25 years since the establishment of the First Nations Steering Committee, which aims to enhance the impact of First Nations education for students, their families, and the greater School community.
Reflecting on the celebration, Mr Evans underscored how important it is for students to hear from First Nations leaders in their own words.
“As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we use our voices through storytelling, song, oral history, ceremonies, and spoken word performances, to name just a few,” Mr Evans says.
“Voice is how we keep culture and history alive.”
