returning to our roots
This past weekend I was one of 100 women who attended The Returning Gathering — a unique women’s-only cultural event in the heart of the lush hinterlands in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. I found out about the event through an ad on Instagram — it seemed like the algorithm had been correctly picking up on my interests and motives. I briefly had a look at the website and I saw that there were volunteer opportunities available, so I applied — admittedly with a bit of a “if I get the role, I’ll go” attitude.
Sure enough, a couple of days later an email popped up telling me I had been accepted and was given a role in catering. I was happy I had secured a spot — it gave me that little push I needed to keep me accountable and prevent me from backing out.
The event was created by Ella Noah Bancroft; Indigenous artist, storyteller, teacher, tantric and mentor. Ella is a Bundjalung woman of rural New South Wales, and identifies strongly with her cultural background. Having migrated from South Africa myself and not having any ancestral or emotional connections to the Australian roots, I can admit that I am not very familiar with Indigenous culture. But I have recently become very interested in the lifestyle and cultural practices of indigenous communities, so I was very wide-eyed and curious going into the weekend.
Although I definitely felt a sense of anxiety going into an event like this alone, knowing no one and having little insight into what I could expect. But I kept reminding myself that it was going to be a life experience — whether it be good or bad it ultimately didn’t matter. I knew that I was going to be safe, I was going to meet new people, and it provided an opportunity for me to break the monotonous cycle of my daily life and gain insight into different perspectives and ways of living.
“RETURNING to wholeness, to nature, to knowledge, to ourselves and to one another. ”
The Returning Gathering was inspired by and based on the beauty and richness of Indigenous culture. It aimed to capture these native ceremonial traditions while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility to all women. As soon as I arrived, I was embraced by unfamiliar faces yet I felt a sense of familiarity and comfort. Immediately as I was welcomed by these women into the community, my unfamiliarity with the people and the area quickly faded and became irrelevant.
I realised that I wasn’t the only newbie — another woman in the group commented on the shock contrast she felt between the immediate inclusivity of these women in comparison to the overt exclusivity and separateness of a society that she was accustomed to. Although the majority of the women had only just met, it seemed as though they were reconnecting with long lost sisters.
The event officially commenced and we were welcomed through a smoking ceremony lead by Bronwyn Bancroft, who is a Djanbun clan member of the Bundjalung Nation. Native Bangalow Palm and sage was burnt to acknowledge the ancestors of the land in which we were gathering.
Over the weekend there were a variety of talks and women’s circles that covered a range of social topics such as; community involvement, connection, sexual freedom, plant medicine, and body image. These were held in a way that encouraged group discussion, and provided a space for each woman to feel accepted without judgment — completely included and appreciated as a part of the community.
There were also different workshops that involved; yoga, mindfulness, expressive dance, music, crafting, sacred geometry, and plant medicine, which prompted hands-on learning and a more non-verbal approach to connecting with the community. For me, I’m more drawn to practical, movement-based activities so I found that most of my time was spent at these.
“Explore movement, rituals and wellness, along with discussions on topics thats need addressing, as we come together as sisters to learn from elders, mother and maidens.”
My aim was to gain insight into different cultural practices, new perspectives and ways of living, and I certainly feel as though I achieved this. Looking back on the experience, I have a new found sense of confidence in myself that I am able to go into any situation knowing that it will add to my life. It was an exercise in overcoming the fear that exists in my perception of what lies beyond the limits of my comfort zone.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” — Dale Carnegie
