Workshops: Primary Upwards
Speaking in Colour offers a range of innovative Aboriginal cultural and art workshops that bring Aboriginal perspectives into the classroom for your students – from primary age and upwards.
Like us to train your staff so they can do the teaching?
We host our own standardised (NESA-approved) workshops where registration is per person – visit our EVENTS page Or we can come to your centre and train your staff there – Visit our Corporate Education page
Like a cultural workshop especially for your little ones?
Please click the ‘get a quote’ button or contact us to discuss your situation. We will respond with a customised proposal and quotation for a workshop that is fun, informative and truly memorable.

Time to move (Aboriginal Dance)
Students get to learn a few dance moves, have their hands painted in ochre and develop an understand of why and how Aboriginal people utalised dance in their everyday.
– 1 presenter
45mins p/session to: Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $550 (includes GST and material’s)

Interwoven (Aboriginal Weaving)
Students learn about traditional Aboriginal weaving, how, when and why. Students then learn a contemporary weaving technique creating a little keepsake.
– 1 presenter
45mins p/session to: Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $630 (includes GST and material’s)

Appreciation (Aboriginal Art Appreciation)
Note activities vary depending on the materials selected.
Students learn how to be inspired by traditional aboriginal art to create something contemporary in a culturally appropriate way. Each student creates a little keepsake from the day, all materials are supplied.
-1 presenter
45mins p/session to: Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $630 (includes GST and material’s)

Possum (Possum Skin Cloaks)
Participants learn about Possum skin Cloaks, their role in society, how they were made and why. Students get to see how a Possum Skin Cloak is made and make a possum skin arm band.
Add: Note: programs are available to make a Possum Skin Cloak.
-1 presenter
45mins p/session to: Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $630 (includes GST and material’s)
To create arm bands, costs is $5-$10 per student depending on size and numbers.

Torres Strait Islander dance and culture
Students learn about aspects of Traditional Torres Strait Islander dance and culture through story, dance and singing. This fun and interactive session is flexible to suit all age ranges.
-1 presenter
45mins p/session to: Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $550 (includes GST and material’s)

Elders talks
Where possible the Elder who does these talks, is local to the region where the talk will be held, depending on availability.
Students have the opportunity to listen and learn from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder. This is often providing key note addresses, story time or even in a mentoring role.
– 1 presenter
Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, or larger groups on request, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $550 (includes GST)

Canoe building
Students learn about the traditional practice of canoe building. Right in front of their eyes (over a 3-5hr period depending on the size) a canoe is built from stringy bark over an open flame. Safety precausions are put in place to avoid any issues. This is a mini canoe demonstration. Enquire directly or a full sized canoe.
Note in keeping with traditional lore there are particular times of year and weather conditions which determine the ability to make a canoe.
– 1 presenter
Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, or larger groups on request, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $750 (includes GST and materials)
Additional $300 to keep the canoe

Artefact making
Students learn about a wide range of artefacts, how they are made, by who and how they are used. Students get an opportunity to touch a selection of items.
– 1 presenter
Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, or larger groups on request, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $550 (includes GST and materials)
Additional $100 to keep the artefact

Yidaki (Didgeridoo) playing
Students learn about the Yidaki (Didgeridoo), the origin and who would use them. Students have the pportunity to listen for the different sounds and where possible have an opportunity to play (males only).
– 1 presenter
Group size max 25 students per session for min 30mins sessions, or larger groups on request, max 3.5hrs face to face teaching
Cost is $550 (includes GST)
LOOKING FOR A NAIDOC WEEK PACKAGE?

Full day
Includes 6 workshops (Choose from: Canoe building, possum Skin Cloak, Interwoven, Time to move (m&f teachers available), Art appreciation, Elders talk and artefact making)
End of day assembly performance
A co-ordinator who attends on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Assistance with rotations and planning available.
$5300 (includes GST, all materials)
Half day
Includes 4 workshops (choose from: Interwoven, Time to move (m&f teachers available), Art appreciation, Elders talk and artefact making)
A co-ordinator who attends on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Assistance with rotations and planning available.
$3400 (includes GST and all materials)
LOOKING CULTURAL PROGRAMs?

RESURGNACE
Facilated by Speaking in Colours expert weavers, participants are taught about the context and understanding of weaving while being stepped through the levels as appropriate.
Program 4-20 weeks ages 9+
Results in a completed sculpture or exhibition
Prices vary based on location, ages and ability of students and length of program. Contact us for full details.
This is more than just weaving it is: building identity, developing mindfulness, caring for country all while building communities.

POSSUM SKIN CLOAKS
Faciliated by Cherie Johnson under the guidance of her cultural mentor Aunty Vicki Couzens for school aged participants.
5 day intensive with two presenters
or a 10 week program ages 9+
Resulting in making a Possum Skin Cloak.
Prices vary based on location, ages and ability of students and length of program.

CANOE BUILDING
Program and details are provided on enquiry.
Note time of year and weather conditions determine if the project can proceed.

YIDARKI
Yidarki for beginners
10 week course
Results in participants learning to play
Yidarki build and learn
20 week course, includes the yidarki for beginners course,
Results in each participant learning to play and make their own Yidarki.
Prices vary based on location, ages and ability of students and length of program. .
Please note travel costs incur for events outside of the Hunter NSW.
Elders and artists in residences also available on enquiry.
Prices subject to change, last updated May 2018.