THE FULLASHIP 2024: MAGANDJIN INTENSIVE

Photo credit: Lewis James Media

The third and final intensive of the 2024 Fullaship Program was held in Magandjin (Brisbane) & Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), with an end of program Ceremony to celebrate the 12-month journey of each of the Fullas.

On arrival to Magandjin the Fullas were welcomed with a beautiful ochre Ceremony and song by Gaja Kerry Charlton (Yagarabul Elder), she shared deep insights into the communities history, fights for recognition and revitalisation of Cultural practices. We travelled from different communities, have been taught different cultural practices, so to have that blessing from Gaja Kerry was quite special, and as visitors we have a responsibility to honour the rich history of Magandjin.

Our first day as a group we visited Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to participate in a Cultural Tour with the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-council Aboriginal Corporation. On arrival we were welcomed with a smoking and amazing dance performance, before being treated to a delicious morning tea. Aunty Mary Burgess, Aunty Maureen Myers  and Uncle Dale Ruska all led the tour in different moments throughout the day, which consisted of visiting multiple places on the island, stopping and learning about the significance and history of each area. We listened to the stories of resistance, community strength and the continued practice of nurturing Country, whilst advocating for self-determination in various ways. We had a beautiful lunch and walked away very grateful to learn the history of Minjerribah. A very valuable experience that the Fullas will hold closely to them.

2024 Fullaship Program with Aunty Mary & Aunty Maureen at Brown Lake.

The second day of the intensive workshops were hosted by Alisha Britten, Director of Oodgeroo Indigenous Unit at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where the Fullas got to sit with Blakcast Network to hear from Mundanara Bayles & Ginny on the incredible work they do in amplifying the stories of First Nations people across the Country. The workshop provided great insights into the importance of building sustainable relationships which can lead to partnerships with businesses.

Some of the Fullas then had the opportunity to sit down with Mundanara and yarn on the Black Magic Woman Podcast at IHEARTRadio, a partnership building with Culture is Life. They got to share their experiences over the 12-months on the program and their personal journey. While the other Fullas met with Professor Chelsea Watego, hearing about the work they do at QUT and within the community, especially around advocacy, justice and truth-telling. The day ended with a lovely dinner with Dr Anita Heiss, as she shared her story and how to be strong in your Cultural identity when in a room with non-indigenous people.

The next couple of days were focused on strengthening the bonds within the group and personal reflections from the program. Aunty Steph Armstrong facilitated a session titled “language is our soul”, which highlighted the importance of the use of language, both Traditional and standard English. Supporting the Fullas to understand how to use words in different settings.

Ceremony

The Fullaship 2024 Ceremony was held at Walkabout Creek Cafe & Events in Enoggera Reservoir. It was a beautiful venue for an incredible evening of celebration and reflection. Gaja Kerry and her family Welcomed Culture is Life staff, Fulla’s and guests to Country with a water blessing, ochre and song. There were around 40 guests who attended, including Culture is Life staff, Fellows and their plus ones (parent, grandparent, cousin or friend) Leda and Merinda from ABSTARR, Tanja Hirvonen and Fullaship Alumni members – Tristan, Hakon, Bek and Leyla.

Alumni Jalen and Guyala MC’d the event with Madeline, giving their time as a way to show reciprocity. Each Fulla had a speech prepared, each one unique and beautiful. It was truly a special night celebrating young Blak excellence, love, care, joy and their commitment to this program. The last 12 months invested in themselves, connecting with other young people from across this continent and allowing us to support them on their journey.

The 2024 Fullaship Program participants with Fullaship Alumni. Photo credit: Lewis James Media

Special thank you again to the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-council Aboriginal Corporation, Uncle Dale Ruska, Aunty Mary Burgess, Aunty Maureen Myers, Mikayla Adams-Queary, Gaja Kerry Charlton & family, Dr Anita Heiss, Mundanara Bayles, Ginny Jones, Alisha Britten (QUT) and the Fullaship Alumni. To our Culture is Life team for the support during the intensive, and lastly, to our Fullas who have grown immensely over the 12-months. We at Culture is Life are so proud of each and every one of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you all.