What we do
Wolgalu Wiradjuri man Shane Herrington and Wolgalu Footprints deliver a range of Aboriginal Cultural workshops, activities and services for:
- Community & corporate events & festivals
- Tertiary institutions & government agencies
- Workplaces & social groups
- Tour groups & sporting events
CEREMONY
Smoking Ceremonies & Welcome to Country are conducted by Shane on Wolgalu and Wiradjuri Country only.
A Smoking Ceremony is a traditional Aboriginal customary practice involving the burning native plants to produce smoke. This smoke purifies the surroundings and protects against negative spirits, both for individuals, the land and any business taking place. It cleanses the spirit and inviting a bright future and success. Shane includes a Didgeridoo performance as part of his Smoking Ceremony.
Smoking Ceremonies are often combined with a Welcome to Country and Didgeridoo performances. It is important that appropriate protocols are followed for these ceremonial practices. Wolgalu Footprints can advise you and your business, organisation or event on how and when to engage the correct individual people or groups to ensure that things are done properly.
CULTURAL WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS
All workshops include Cultural teachings and elements of local language and can be tailored to your needs. All workshops are also available in a presentation (non hands-on) format.
Shane Herrington presents all these workshops in person, but on occasion may engage family and community-members to assist as required.
See the full list below. If you would like something tailored specifically to your group, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Traditional Stone Tools Workshop
Axe making, chisel making, knife making – half day
Learn traditional techniques for making tools from stone and other natural materials. Ages 12+
Fibre Workshop
Rope making, string making, fish net making – full day (or available as separate shorter workshops added to another half day workshop)
Learn age-old techniques for making items from natural fibres that were used traditionally in daily Aboriginal life.
Traditional Tool Making (not stone)
3 hours Examples of traditional tools that can be made in the session include as digging sticks, yabby traps,boomerangs, spears, net making, dilly bag making.
Bush Tucker Workshop
Depending on seasonal availability of bush foods – half day
Learn how our Aboriginal ancestors used native bush foods for nutrition and medicine. This workshop will make you look at your local bushland in a whole new way.
Didgeridoo and Clap Sticks Workshop
3 hours – Learn how to play the yidaki (didgeridoo) and clap sticks and the Cultural protocols associated with their use. Men & Boys – Didgeridoo only – BYO didge. Women/Girls – Clapsticks
Coolamon making
On Country – 4 hours, creating a Coolamon from scratch, drying Coolamon over fire (curing) and finishing. A coolamon is a multi-purpose vessel used for carrying tools and weapons, food and water.
Storytelling – local stories – Wolgalu & Wiradjuri
1.5 hours – Shane is an accomplished and highly regarded storyteller. As a Traditional Knowledge-holder he can share with you traditional dreaming stories of the Wolgalu and Wiradjuri people.
Art workshop
1.5 hours – Work with Shane to interpret Traditional stories through your own artwork. Canvasses and paint supplied. All ages.
Traditional Bark Canoes
Men only – please enquire.
Tagalong Tours
Explore Wolgalu Country in Kosciuszko National Park – coming soon!