{"id":18678,"date":"2022-06-06T20:31:19","date_gmt":"2022-06-06T11:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/fit\/?p=18678"},"modified":"2022-06-07T16:12:07","modified_gmt":"2022-06-07T06:42:07","slug":"a-new-cultural-space-at-flinders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/fit\/2022\/06\/06\/a-new-cultural-space-at-flinders\/","title":{"rendered":"A new cultural space for Flinders University"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new cultural meeting place for the Flinders University community has been officially opened at a special event held during National Reconciliation Week. Yungkurrinthi Inparrila is a place of well-being and healing, a place to grieve, and a space that brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and the wider community together.<\/p>\n

More than 20 years after the idea of a special place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community on Flinders’ Bedford Park campus was first raised, Yungkurrinthi Inparrila was officially opened after the installation of the Wardli (wod-lee) – or shelter.<\/p>\n

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The Wardli (Kaurna Shelter), the final piece to Yungkurrinthi Inparrila. Pic Ben Searcy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Wardli, designed by Kaurna artist James Tylor and Wiradjuri architectural designer Samantha Rich, is the centre piece of the new space, highlighted by the special inclusion of traditional possum skins, provided by Uncle Mickey and Uncle Lewis from their personal collections.<\/p>\n

Due to the wild weather in South Australia, the official proceedings began in Alere with a traditional Welcome to Country performed by Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Senior Kaurna man.<\/p>\n

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Associate Professor Simone Tur at the official opening of Yungkurrinthi Inparrila. Pic Ben Searcy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guests heard from Elder on Campus for Bedford Park and Senior Kuarna man Uncle Lewis O’Brien, who shared the importance of this space as a tangible example of the Kaurna notion of ‘twoness’.<\/p>\n

“The completion of the Yungkurrinthi Inparrila with the installation of the Wardli now provides learning opportunities for students representing the Kaurna notion of \u2018twoness\u2019. \u2018Twoness\u2019 represents the two parts required to make a whole and allows our students the opportunity to learn in opposite but complementary ways, such as indoors and outdoors, European and Indigenous, to make their learning a whole or \u2018complete\u2019 process.”<\/p>\n

Associate Professor Simone Tur, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) spoke of the importance of this new space for everyone in the Flinders community.<\/p>\n

\u201cYungkurrinthi Inparrila (Meeting Place) brings the Flinders University community together to honour and acknowledge Country, cultural knowledge and learning. Yungkurrinthi Inparrila is a special place where the community can foster belonging, learn, relax, celebrate, and gather,\u201d said Associate Professor Tur.<\/p>\n

Professor Colin Stirling, President and Vice Chancellor, reflected on the unique role the Inparrila will play in fostering cultural connectedness.<\/p>\n

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President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling. Pic Ben Searcy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“What has become apparent to me is the deep and heartfelt significance of this meeting place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and community. Unlike an office or a building, Yungkurrinthi Inparrila is connected to Country, carrying cultural and spiritual significance,” said Professor Stirling.<\/p>\n

The wet weather held off long enough for guests to be able to venture to Yungkurrinthi Inparrila, where they took part in a traditional Smoking Ceremony, performed by Uncle Mickey (main image).<\/p>\n