“We were sitting around a campfire, Djapirri had just finished a ‘Welcome’ and was inviting people to speak … she picked me out of the crowd, the quiet one sitting at the back. I had no idea how what would happen next was going to impact my life.”

This very special Fire Circle series is about an Elder with a profound power of bridging Indigenous and Western cultures, and a young professional who is learning to weave them together to address systemic global issues.

Elder Djapirri and Matt met in 2017 at Garma, Australia’s largest First Nations cultural festival. After striking a unique bond, their relationship has become an inspiring example of how leaders from different places, generations and cultures can work together to benefit each other and our Earth.

We welcome anyone who is looking to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with Indigenous Peoples but is unsure of how to begin. Significant themes will include respect, listening, timing and cultural safety. It will also explore what happens when professionals encounter Indigenous wisdom at a young age and what the implications could be for the future of business education.

Elder Djapirri Mununggirritj

Elder Djapirri’s ancestors are from Australia’s North East Arnhem Land, and she grew up as part of the Yolngu First Nations community. We believe there are few people in the world that command the powerful presence and wisdom Djapirri has. She is deeply connected with the Earth, her ancient culture and has spent many decades serving her community, reconciling relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, sitting on many Boards and advising the Australian Government. She is eager to share her rich wisdom with the business world as we re-imagine our future and cultivate an economy that truly serves the well-being of All. Learn more here

Matt Sykes

Matt's ancestors are from Yorkshire in England, the Zillerthal Valley of Austria and Norway. He grew up on the lands of the Boonwurrung Bunurong and Gunaikurnai peoples in West Gippsland, Australia. He is an emerging leader in the global regen movement. Through his consultancy, he collaborates with businesses and organisations looking to shift beyond sustainability to create diverse net benefits for places. Grounded by an education that combines experiences with First Nations Elders as well as western academic institutions, Matt is excited by the opportunity to support Melbourne and Australia’s repositioning as regenerative economies.

Matt was adopted as Djapirri’s son in 2017 and given the name ‘Banumbirr’ which means the Morning Star. More about Matt

Time Zones (Americas, Asia-Pacific) 28/29th October

Colorado 3-4:30 pm (28th)
Calgary 3-4:30 pm (28th)
New York 5-6:30 pm (28th)
Mexico City 4 - 5:30 pm (28th)
Buenos Aires 6-7:30 pm (28th)
Singapore 5-6:30 am (29th)
Melbourne 8-9:30am (29th)
Auckland 10am-11:30pm (29th)

Tickets

General Admission: $50 AUD / $36 USD / 30 Euro

Scholarship offer: $30 AUD / $22 USD / 18 Euro

Note: Scholarships are for people with more restricted financial means, including professionals from lower-income countries and students)

Cultural Safety

The themes in this discussion draw on the cultural IP of the Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land, Australia, as well as Matt's personal experiences learning from Indigenous Elders over many years. This knowledge is shared for the purpose of creating greater self-awareness and is not to be repeated outside of the Fire Circle without the appropriate cultural permissions of each leader and their communities. We ask that you respect this knowledge and share it with others based on their guidance during the event.

About Us

The Fire Circle is a project that emerged in late 2020 in response to a growing cry for a different way, a way that is grounded in ancient wisdom, draws on the cultures and teachings of Indigenous traditions, and sees us working with deep humility, reverence and relationship with the Earth.

Partner Project & Community Commitment
Elder Djapirri & Matt will be donating 20% of the revenue from ticket sales to Buku Art Centre, an Indigenous community-led art initiative in Arnhem land, Australia, committed to sustaining and preserving the local culture.

Gift of Wisdom

We are delighted to announce that we are offering 'Gift of Wisdom' certificates for the first time. This will allow them to experience a monthly Fire Circle gathering or go towards a live workshop. Support the growth of your colleagues and loved ones by supporting Mother Earth. More info here

Further information or queries:

hello@firecircle.earth