Commitment to First Nations

Carclew, or Tutu Karralikanungku (Looking Out From Above), is situated on Kaurna land. We cherish our place on Kaurna land and respect ongoing connections to Country.

First Nations voices and values are at the centre of Carclew’s work. Through our commitment to First Nations children, artists and communities, we aim to ensure a safe space to learn and educate, inspire awareness and respect, and help to develop the cultural leaders of tomorrow.

Vision for Reconciliation

At Carclew, we see Reconciliation not just as an obligation, but as a creative responsibility. We must acknowledge both the hurt and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – past and present – and find ways to move forward together. To be freed from the past, without forgetting it.

Carclew envisions a place where First Nations children, young people, and artists fully benefit from the creative opportunities available in South Australia. We are committed to ensuring the broader Australian community acknowledges, respects, and celebrates the cultures, contributions, knowledge, and histories of Australia’s First Peoples.

Carclew is currently consulting on its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), an important step in strengthening our commitment to reconciliation, truth-telling and meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities.

in 2017 local artist Anna Dowling was commissioned to create Place for Reconciliation – a sculptural artwork in our gardens.

Our commitment to reconciliation is demonstrated through our project delivery, youth arts leadership, and organisational governance.

Read the First Nations Statement for Carclew.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

We acknowledge the significance and importance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a powerful and unique statement of consensus from the many First Nations delegates at the Referendum Convention at Uluru on 26 May 2017. We pledge our support for the recognition of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution.

Listening, learning and allyship

Carclew acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still experience the ongoing effects and the impact of colonisation over 200 years later. Carclew staff are encouraged to further educate themselves about the true history of this Country, reflect on the resilience and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and experience and the thriving legacy of the oldest living culture in the world.

Regarding January 26, we encourage staff and all Australians on this day to consider what more we can do to support Aboriginal Australia, including showing up and supporting Invasion/Survival Day services and rallies.