Sewing project empowers and connects

Sandra Edmonds of Settler Families Giving Back (SFGB) recently initiated a project, which bought together Allies from Darebin Solidarity and First Nations people from the Aborigines Advancement League (AAL). The project focused on craft activities at Gurwidj Neighbourhood House, which is hosted by the AAL.

Over two months, community members and Allies made over 300 herb-infused wheatbags. SFGB funding covered all materials and essential catering for those working on sewing machines and making the wheatbags.

The wheatbags were given to delighted Elders at a NAIDOC lunch the AAL hosted in their honour.

Conversations over food are culturally important. The initiative fostered an environment in which AAL workers felt comfortable asking for assistance to make specially designed aprons volunteer caterers can wear while cooking a serving during during the NAIDOC Elders lunch.

This project is a good example of SFGB aims and processes. It has empowered First Nations to continue to use the sewing machines to make other gear. Solid and enduring personal relationships were forged between Allies and First Nations people.

Photos courtesy of Jay Estorninho