The Blacktown Native Institution Project began in late 2014 with the first Artist Camp, taking place at the historic site on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November.

The project commenced on Saturday with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by a Darug elder. This was followed by a facilitated group discussion on the history and importance of the site with input from historian Julia Torpey, storytelling and weaving with Kristine Stewart and Steven Russell, and a community BBQ in the evening. Koori Radio live broadcast discussions and interviews from the site during the day.

Sunday’s program included a facilitated discussion on the possible future uses of the site with academic Michael McDaniel, and representatives from Muru Mittigar and Greening Australia. Storytelling and weaving took place again in the afternoon, this time open to all to share personal stories about the site.

The BNI project team was on hand to record stories and video with both artists and community members. Below you can watch videos, listen to interviews and browse images from the first Artist Camp.

Images from Artist Camp #1, November 2014. Images © BNI Project, 2014.