LUMEN Summer 2020 - Flipbook - Page 42
Events
The Kaurna Learning Circle, which is called Karra Wirraparinangku (From the Red Gum Forest River),
located off Victoria Drive, was officially opened in August.
Created as a collaborative project between the University’s Wirltu
Yarlu Aboriginal Education and Kaurna cultural advisers, the Circle
recognises and celebrates the Kaurna Aboriginal people and their
deep connection to the Adelaide Plains.
It was built as a place for ceremony, cultural exchanges and
learning. The Circle contains a welcome in Kaurna language in the
earthy brick paving, "Marni naa pudni tirka kurruru-ana" (good
you all come to learning circle), and a steel shade structure that
partly covers the Learning Circle and is inscribed with a welcome
to country, "Kaurna miyruna wangkanthi marni naa pudni, Kaurna
yarta-ana" (Kaurna people say good you all come to Kaurna
country). Displaying Kaurna language so prominently on the
campus is important recognition of Kaurna people and their living
culture. It also serves as an opportunity for visitors to the circle
to learn some Kaurna words and interact with the new circle
on campus.
The Circle includes a corten steel fire pit for ceremonial use with
the pattern of the Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens) engraved. Stone
seating is provided along one side of the Learning Circle with back
rests to accommodate Elders and senior representatives for
cultural events. The entrance is marked by the the Wangu Poles,
striking new artwork designed by talented Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri
artist Paul Herzich. The seven poles, ranging in height from six
to eight metres, contain references to Kaurna dreaming stories,
ancient ceremonial practices, and traditional life along the nearby
Karrawirra Pari.
The Kaurna Learning Circle is a key development in the University’s
Public Realm project, which has been awarded the Australian
Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Award of Excellence for
Urban Design.
The Kaurna Learning Circle and Wangu Poles,
the University of Adelaide.
The Hon. Catherine Branson AC QC, Chancellor
of the University of Adelaide, with Uncle Fred
Agius during the smoking ceremony.
Kaurna and Narungga man Jack Buckskin leads
the performance at the official opening of the
Kaurna Learning Circle.
Uncle Fred Agius (centre) with Indigenous
students (left) Iteka Sanderson-Bromley and
(right) Janaya Callaghan. Both students are in
their 2nd year of Arts degrees at the University
of Adelaide.
Indigenous performers at the official opening of the
Kaurna Learning Circle.
The Wangu Poles at night.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
