In a beautiful fusion of culture, community, and sustainability, the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre (BMWHRC), in partnership with Wagana Aboriginal Dancers, Food Futures Company, and the EM-power Foundation, have created a vibrant native garden that represents connection, healing, and empowerment. This project was celebrated with a day of workshops and cultural sharing, where First Nations women came together to explore native food, agriculture, and the links between native food, health, wellness, and future career opportunities.
Under the guidance of Wiradjuri dancer and choreographer Jo Clancy, Wagana Aboriginal Dancers performed a lively fusion of contemporary and traditional dances, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes and creation stories of the Blue Mountains and Central NSW West Country in Australia. Since gathering in 2007, Wagana is a collective of diverse First Nations women and girls, practising culture on Dharug and Gundungurra Country. They pay tribute to Dharug, Gundungurra, and Wiradjuri peoples by celebrating culture through dance, music, and storytelling. As participants in the garden project, Wagana continues to celebrate and share their rich cultural heritage while fostering deeper connections to bush foods and agriculture.
The BMWHRC, a holistic and trauma-informed women’s health service, offers a safe and inclusive space for women. Their dedication to holistic health extends beyond the clinic, and this garden project is a natural evolution of their mission to provide opportunities for learning, healing, sharing, and connection.
The community came together on Sunday, September 8th, to celebrate the launch of the new native garden, with workshops focused on traditional uses of native plants and women's health and wellness. The day began with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Carol Cooper, followed by a stunning smoking ceremony led by Ceanne Towers. The transformed space, now home to predominantly edible native plants, features a stunning yarning circle and sand paths connecting the community to both land and culture.
Bush to Bowl, an Aboriginal-owned social enterprise co-led by Garigal/Gadigal man Adam Byrne, played a pivotal role in the success of the garden installation. They specialise in bush foods through their plant nursery, produce, and educational workshops. Bush to Bowl coordinated with the local Bunnings team to assist with the planting, showcasing the collaborative spirit behind the project. Not only did they supply the native plants, but they also shared their extensive knowledge of bush foods with the local community through inspirational workshops. They provided an educational introductory talk about the bush foods being planted at the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre and hosted a spice mix creation workshop, allowing participants to craft their own bush food spice blends. Bush to Bowl created a healing space and a platform for First Nations people to empower the community by connecting to Country and their traditional foodways. Their mission was inspirational and deeply resonated with everyone who participated in the day’s events.
Felicity Kerslake, the founder of the Australian Bush Food Education Centre, played a pivotal role in facilitating workshops during the event. A proud Wiradjuri woman and expert in naturopathy, nutrition, and permaculture, Felicity led engaging sessions on tea blending, essential oil infusions, and incorporating native ingredients into Epsom salt soaks, offering a teaser of the benefits of bush foods and medicines. Everyone had the opportunity to formulate and create their own unique blends. Additionally, a collaborative distillation of Lemon Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Native Thyme, and Kunzea celebrated the new plants now growing in the garden.
“An introduction to Bush Medicine workshops with Wiradjuri naturopath, nutritionist, and permaculturalist Felicity Kerslake was marambangbilang (Exceedingly good, Wiradjuri Language)! Felicity’s passion for native plants as medicine was inspiring and powerful,” Wagana Dancers, Jo Clancy.
These hands-on experiences of learning about the properties and benefits of native ingredients while making products were truly captivating. Such engaging activities are sure to spark excitement and enhance knowledge in the native food and agriculture industry for generations to come.
At its core, this project aims to empower First Nations women and girls with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to connect their culture with potential career pathways in the native food and agriculture sector. The garden serves as a place for learning, healing, sharing, and connection.
As this initiative grows, it will continue to foster First Nations women-led health and wellness programs, nurturing opportunities in the native food and agriculture sector. This project represents more than a garden; it’s a platform for First Nations women to cultivate connections, build careers, and share their culture with the wider community.
Special thanks to all the partners and sponsors, including Blue Mountains City Council, Bendigo Bank Katoomba, Resilient Villages, and Katoomba RSL, for making this transformative project possible.
Comments