To Yarn is to share; to connect, to learn, to grow.
To have a yarn invites anyone with a story to tell and a listening ear, to sit together and participate in a discussion. It is an ancient way to gather and share information and therefore the perfect title for the Queensland Museum’s new First Nations focused public program series, conducted in partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ).
Yarning Series: Conversations that connect is a year-long program that invites museum visitors to participate in discussions on contemporary topics through a First Nations lens.
The 2026 program kicked off during Dinosaur Week and a discussion on the intersection of First Nations and European scientific practice. UQ early-career archaeologists Shayne Bates-Gilby and Dr Coen Hird shared fascinating insights into the how they navigate the responsibilities and opportunities of preserving cultural heritage and identity in the context of European institutional frameworks.
During National Reconciliation Week, Townsville residents were invited to a discussion with Aunty Gail Mabo. Aunty Gail is a celebrated multidisciplinary artist and advocate as well as being the daughter of Eddie Koiki Mabo and Dr Bonita Mabo, a trailblazing advocate for social justice. Aunty Gail’s Yarn covered the business and cultural intersection of contemporary First Nations artistic practice, as well as how her upbringing shaped her life as an activist.
Yarning Series: Conversation that connect brings First Nations knowledge and experiences to the forefront of public discussion. Moving beyond conventional topics for First Nations inclusive discussion, this program demonstrates the diversity of the First Nations contemporary experience.
“Sharing knowledge and having conversations provides an opportunity to learn, grow and walk together” – Peggy Kasabad Lane, Senior Manager Engagement, First Nations.
As part of their ongoing commitment to integrate First Nations knowledge and practices into university life, long-term partners UQ and Queensland Museum are working together to delivery this program across Museum sites in Queensland. With the assistance of UQ researchers, academics, staff and alumni, Queensland Museum will deliver a series of programs that will inform, delight, and engage.
All Yarning Series events are free to attend.
Yarning Series: Conversations that connect is presented in partnership with The University of Queensland.
The next yarning will be held on Friday 21 August at Queensland Museum Tropics, with Jordan Ivery, Indigenous Training and Capacity Building Coordinator at the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences.
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