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Like the branches of a tree, First Nations artist and educator Jason Douglas says our knowledge and wisdom of the history, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples expands and grows together.
The co-founder of Indigenous culture and art organisation Dalmarri unveiled his latest work, Tree of Knowledge, at Woolworths Group’s Norwest Support Office in Sydney on July 8 to mark the start of NAIDOC Week 2024.
First Nations artist and educator, Jason Douglas
More than 100 Woolworths Group team members and leaders came together and joined Jason for a creative collaboration and workshop, adding their individual stories and experiences to the leaves on the Tree of Knowledge.
“This is a beautiful way to connect people,” says proud Murri Man, Jason, who founded Dalmarri with colleague and friend, Trevor Eastwood, in 2018. “The Tree of Knowledge is a way to explain how we can all come together as one mob to gain wisdom and continually build on our knowledge base, understanding and empathy.”
Held each year in the first week of July, NAIDOC Week celebrates the culture, contribution and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations cultures.
Jason says he has much respect for Woolworths Group’s support of Reconciliation for First Nations people and their ongoing desire to learn more about the oldest, continuous living culture on Earth.
“Woolworths Group doesn't just celebrate NAIDOC Week,” says Jason. “There is a genuine commitment to learning, asking questions and asking for guidance all year round.
More than 100 Woolworths Group team members and leaders came together and joined Jason for a creative collaboration and workshop.
“Woolworths Group always does their homework and if they are not sure about something, they call us.
“I think all workplaces should incorporate First Nations culture into their organisation and Woolworths do just that. It is embedded into every store and office. I see that pride displayed indirectly all the time and I like seeing that.”
Committed to facilitating deep connection and engagement between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Dalmarri’s very first creative project was for Woolworths Group back in 2018.
Since then, Woolworths Group has had the pleasure of working on many projects with Dalmarri, including the 12 metre-long mural, Bunga Nuru, installed at the front entrance of Norwest.
“Woolworths is our key partner and I am not talking about financially,” says Jason. “It is a genuine partnership because the commitment is right from the heart. We are nationwide now but six and a half years ago, we were just starting out and Woolworths was the first business to put their hand out and help us grow.”
Dalmarri's latest work, Tree of Knowledge.
To learn more about Woolworths Group’s Reconciliation Action plan, read here.
