Australian South Sea Islander National Recognition Day 2022

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Everyone is welkam 'welcome' to join us in acknowledgement of this day. Connect with culture and learn through storytelling, performance, history talks and panel discussions.

Enjoy Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Australian South Sea Islander and Pacific cultural dance and song, hip hop and spoken word. There'll be a display of crafts, a short film and kai kai 'food' to enjoy.

Schedule

• 12:30pm: Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Country

• 1pm-2pm: Speeches and history talks with Councillor (Waskam) Emelda Davis, HisExcellency Mr Samson Fare, Vanuatu's High Commissioner to Australia and Kaiya Aboagye

• 2pm-2:15pm: Spoken word, hip hop and R&B performance by Elijah Tovio aka Biggs685

• 2:15pm-2:40pm: Torres Strait Island dance performances - Kerker Mi Kuik and Uncle Tat Whaleboat

• 2:40pm-3pm: Singing performances - Pasifika Jewels and Brandy

• 3pm-4pm: Storytelling and panel discussion - Councillor (Waskam) Emelda Davis, Uncle Tat Whaleboat, Dr Sonya Pearce and Aunty Christine Togo

Australian South Sea Islander National Recognition Day marks the date in 1994 when the Commonwealth Government officially recognised the Blackbirded descendants from the 80 islands of Vanuatu and Solomons as a distinct cultural group.

2022 also marks 175 years since entrepreneur politician Benjamin Boyd illegally trafficked some 200 South Sea Islander men to Eden NSW, to slave alongside Maori and First Nations peoples. On this day we seek to reconcile and remember through truth telling and resilience of an untold shared Australian history.

Bookings are recommended for this free event.

We aim to deliver inclusive and accessible events. If you have any particular access or communication needs, please contact Tim Windsor, City of Sydney area manager youth and community on 02 9265 9333.