Changing Systems Through Storytelling

Storytelling is the thread that weaves First Nations people with our Old People, Ancestors, Country and kin. Stories connect us with each other, our allies and ourselves. 

Storytelling is also a proven way to shift pervasive and harmful narratives, change behaviours and mobilise people to take action. This is why changing systems has to start with storytelling. Focusing on both the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we share with others.

Join us for Common Ground’s first-ever webinar: Changing Systems Through Storytelling. We have a BIG vision and we want to share it with you! After five years of operating, we’re adopting a new strategy based on our learnings and yarns over the years. 

Hear from our team and storytellers we work with to learn more about our vision and what role you can play in creating futures that centre First Nations people, Country and truth-telling in everything. 

We’ll speak to how we’re amplifying First Nations voices, strengthening the storytelling ecosystem and building accountability now and into the future. 

Join us for a webinar to learn, share and explore how we can change systems together.

Collage by Cole Baxter

Speakers 

Rona Glynn-McDonald: Rona is a Kaytetye woman who grew up in Mparntwe on Arrernte Country. With ties to storytelling, economics and narrative change, Rona works with First Nations organisations to shape future systems that centre First Nations people, knowledge and solutions. Rona is the founding CEO of Common Ground and Director of First Nations Futures. Through her work with First Nations communities across Australia, Rona aims to create future systems that centre First Nations people, knowledge and cultures.

Gemma Pol: Gemma is a Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Paakantji woman from a small coastal town on Worimi Country. She’s the communications manager at Common Ground and is passionate about truth-telling and creating safe spaces for mob to share our stories, our ways.

Katena Valastro: Katena was born and raised on Larrakia Country. Her mob are originally from Nyikina Country (Kimberley region) and Wakaya Country (Barkley region). Katena has a double degree in Commerce and Arts, majoring in International Business, Arts Management and minoring in Dance Performance and Human Resource Management working in events with additional experience in production, project management and has a growing passion for HR, people and culture. Katena strives to see First Nations people and cultures at the centre of education, art, creative spaces and governance.

Talia Liddle: Talia is an Arrernte Luritja woman from Alice Springs currently based in Melbourne. Talia is an emerging director, host, and producer. Her first documentary and TV debut was on SBS and NITV's documentary series, Larapinta. Talia is currently directing her first feature-length electronic music documentary about the connection between the world's oldest living cultures and dance music. Talia is the video production coordinator at Common Ground.