Women came together to spin yarns when the Women’s Yarning Healing Circle returned at Mununjali Hall on 7 October.
See photos at end of story.
The Traditional Mununjali Elders, including Granny Polo Women’s Group, launched the initiative on 24 June with support from Council and Mununjali Housing.
On 7 October it returned to the hall after two well-received Yarning Circles at Beaudesert High and enquiries from schools in Yarrabilba.
There were plenty of new faces at the 7 October circle and some return attendees.
Aunty Janis Page said it was heart-warming to see the vision coming to life.
“The concept of people just getting together and having a yarn is so basic, and ever since the launch, everyone has been saying, ‘when’s the next Yarning Circle?’ because everyone just loved it so much,” she said.
“Then the school asked us to come up and do a little Yarning Circle with the high school girls and they just really engaged so well.”
She said there was not a set timeline for the project, which will eventually culminate in three big mats representing the past, present and future.
“There are no expectations, just come have a yarn. This is reconciliation in action – this is how you close the gap,” she said.
“It’s like a river, it’s a living thing and it’s creating its own pathway and people are talking and sharing their stories and hearing our stories – it’s a beautiful thing.”
First time attendee Karen Hardgrave encouraged others to come get involved.
“I loved that each piece we worked on would go on to a bigger three-piece artwork that signified the past, present and future,” she said.
Leah Hills, another first timer, was keen to meet new people and try weaving.
“I saw it advertised and I’ve always enjoyed watching people weave and I wanted to come down and try it and to meet some of the Elders. It’s a new experience and I’d love to come and have another go at it.”
The Women’s Healing Yarning Circle is open to women of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
For more information, contact Aunty Janis on 0467 381 035 or email jrpagey@hotmail.com
