Learn about traditional male initiation practices. In this video, Shane Levy, Jukambal (Yukambul) elder, talks about how his ancestors guided young men and helped them become strong, community led leaders.

Stafford Blair, Jukambal (Yukambul) elder, talks about what First Nation people can gain by reconnecting with land and traditional knowledge.

Shane Levy, Jukambal (Yukambul) elder, talks about the traditional practice known as 'Dadirri' an Aboriginal word meaning 'inner deep listening and quiet still awareness and waiting'.

Robert Blair, or ‘Bob’, is a Nucoorilma man of the Gamilaroi Tribe, currently living in Armidale, New South Wales. Bob has been practicing traditional dance for over 30 years and was first introduced to its significance through NAISDA Dance College at 21 years of age. Bob has since gone on to teach First Nations cultural practices in schools throughout the Northern Tablelands district and beyond (traditionally Ngoorabul, Kamilaroi, Anaiwan, Banbai, Dhanggati, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr country.) These Nations extend from Tenterfield to Kempsey, and include the towns and cities of Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes, Tamworth and Coffs Harbour, plus many other regional centres. Bob’s programs include traditional dance and didgeridoo workshops and performances. Recently Bob has begun exploring traditional painting techniques to further reconnect with his culture. Bob also performs smoking ceremonies as part of the community’s Welcome to Country at regular intervals and uses these opportunities to share with others the significance of this practice. It is Bob’s belief that we each have a part to play in reviving these traditional practices. Sharing the importance of culture connects the next generation to community and to themselves. Creating space for Indigenous youth to express and celebrate their culture and themselves is crucial. As your College is well aware. Therefore we would be humbled if your team could find a place to house this clip and its mutually shared message.

Wayne is a Gamilaroi/Jukambal/Bidjara man. He works as a Lakes and Wetlands Project Officer in Collandra, Gabi Gabi (Gubbi Gubbi, Kabi Kabi, Cabbee, Carbi) region. Wayne is part of the Sunshine Coast Council initiative that seeks to revive land management and routine and traditional culture burns in the area to help revitalise native fire resistant and flourishing flora. A strong advocate for environmental change through sustainable practices, Wayne seeks to bring back traditional firestick land management techniques to his grandmother's lands in the Northern Tablelands, an area devastated by fires in 2019 that were caused in part due to poor land management practices that have led to severe degradation of the area.

When he was just 15, Daniel wanted to learn more about his culture, particularly bush foods and medicines. It became a life-long passion. His knowledge is now being harnessed by Native Farms Australia, a company that investigates the use of native wheats and grains as a more sustainable alternative to introduced species. Daniel's story demonstrates the power of reconnecting with culture, and how it can transform someone's life.