Botany - Ngunyah baia - yarning circle

Ngunyah baia - yarning circle with Seraphina Brown - KAA NSW Cultural Practice Lead

Why sit in a Yarning Circle?

Participating in a Yarning Circle allows us to return to cultural practices of coming together as a community, sharing, and expanding knowledge.

Sitting in a Yarning Circle should be regarded as a privilege for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Being in the Circle creates an environment where conversation and sharing can unfold naturally. Ensuring that all members of the circle are visible and positioned equally within the Circle.

Ngunyah Baia is about learning collectively, not in isolation. Indigenous culture is founded on the principle that "it takes a village to raise a child," so why should we abandon this in today’s modern world?

What should I consider when participating in a yarning circle?

Each carer and staff member brings a unique story and lived experience/s to the Circle.

A sense of presence and calm is essential within the Yarning Circle, this means slowing things down and stepping away from the culture of instant gratification and digital residue for 1.5hrs.

Showing humility is important, as things become easier to share when we do this. It demonstrates your authentic side and strength, allowing your ego to gradually drop away.

More than fire & clapsticks – did you know?

There are different protocols for conducting Yarning Circles depending on the Nation/tribe or community. Ngunyah Baia’s framework is a general overarch and when practiced in a culturally appropriate way, can be embraced by all people. Wherever you may travel across Australia, yarning circles will look different across nations and communities.

The primary focus of Ngunyah Baia is on practices, messages, and ways of life (LORE), and how key assets are working to incorporate these cultural practices (LORE) into everyday practices. However, it is not restricted to these topics. Carers and Staff in the Circle have the freedom to discuss a variety of subjects (within reasonable bounds) The circles environment encourages carers and staff to approach the conversation with mindfulness and respect, both for themselves and each other.

The Circle can serve multiple purposes, including teaching, learning, addressing wellbeing matters, and nurturing community connections.

I’m not sure what to say sometimes or I worry it’s not culturally appropriate. What can I talk about?

Once in flow, carers and staff are encouraged to take the conversation in whichever direction they, and others, feel comfortable with. There is no set script for a yarn – go with what feels natural to you. There is no right or wrong way. This is a learning space, not a performative space.

Can I join online?

Unfortunately, not. Allowing participation online would undermine the very essence of what a Yarning Circle is.

Can I join or leave halfway through?

Unfortunately, not. As above, joining or leaving halfway through disrupts the flow of the Circle and is considered disrespectful. If you're unable to attend for the full duration, we kindly ask that you refrain from participating, as it is important for everyone to be present throughout.