Aboriginal Way

Kaurna students from Salisbury High School and Kaurna PlainsSchool have been working alongside architects on the development of the Kaurna Living Cultural Garden Project at the South Australian Museum. The Kaurna Expert Focus Working Group, which has alsofeatured contributions by Kaurna Elders and support from Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, are working to transform the Museum’s front lawn into a garden where Kaurna culture, language, music, dance, storytelling andconnection to Country can be celebrated and shared. AW went along to the co-design process and spoke with Kaurna Plains School students Tilaney and Ethan, who shared their ideas and hopes for the proposed space. Hear Tilaney and Ethan talk about their vision, importanceof Kaurna language, and what this garden could mean for future generations.

Reconciliation SA will hold its fifth annual Fundraiser Galaon Friday 9 October at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre on Kaurna Yerta. The 2026 theme, ‘Our Path, Our Sound,’ draws on the NationalReconciliation Week theme ‘All In,’ exploring the role of meaningful relationships, truth-telling and First Nations voices in reconciliation. The gala will feature music and First Nations performances,alongside a seven-course tasting menu highlighting native ingredients and food traditions from across South Australia. The event is also a fundraiser supporting ReconciliationSA’s programs and community work. AW spoke with acting CEO and cultural engagement manager of Reconciliation SA, Sean Childs, about the gala, the varied work of the organisation and their commitment to educational programs for the wider community.

For the rangers of the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (RMMAC), caring for Country is both a practical responsibility and a connection to generations of family and community. The ranger team works across the Riverland on projects ranging from cultural heritage surveys and land management to wildlife monitoring, community events and environmental restoration. Senior land management ranger Nicolas Sumner, wetlands ranger Kaleb Karpany and land ranger Cameron Rankine are among those working to protect and restore their traditional lands. Their work recently included preparing the site of the former Jerry Mason Centre, now Kawun Wampu Cultural Centre - featuring the Ngamrapku Cafe, a site that has long held significance for Aboriginal people in the region.

The River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (RMMAC) is creating a new chapter for its community with the opening of Kawunwampu Cultural Centre and Ngamrapku Cafe in the Riverland town of Glossop. Last Friday (Aug 28), RMMAC held a grand opening, welcoming all to come visit and hosting a series of speeches, dance performance and food samplings for attendees. The goal for the café is to put Aboriginal culture at the forefront of their custom menu, with available items including saltbush seasoned chips, kangaroo steak burgers, wattleseed scones, and more. The cultural centre will build on the legacy of the former Jerry Mason Centre, which provided programs, including art and support services, for Aboriginal people from the early 1980s. RMMAC also has plans for cultural tours, walking trails and ranger-led experiences that will share knowledge and strengthen connections to Country. AW spoke with RMMAC chair Julie Cook and RMMAC director Sarah Lindsay about the project at the event.

Dig a little deeper into some of the fascinating work conducted by Cate Sexton, Hayley Bishop and Cameron McVicar aka the SANTS archaeology research team. In today's episode we look into some of the ways they engage with Traditional Owner groups in efforts to better understand and protect their Country. Recommended for all with active interests in taphonomy, stratigraphy and the wider cultural heritage of South Australia.