Media releases

Indigenous performer Waveney Yasso has brought her love of song and storytelling to Federation University as its NAIDOC Week celebrations move online this week.

The Queensland-based guitar accompanist to Australia’s Pub Choir and Couch Choir musical acts celebrates Aboriginal culture in a session of music and conversation recorded at Federation’s Brisbane Campus.

In ‘A Musical Date with Waveney Yasso’, the Birri Gubba, South Sea Islander and Scottish descendant sings her acknowledgement to country and recounts her musical journey from drumming in her church band at the age of 11 to releasing her first album as one half of Indigenous duet Black Salt.

The video, to be posted on YouTube, is one of a number of online events organised by Federation University to celebrate NAIDOC Week and its theme, Always Was, Always Will Be.

Other online events hosted by the University include a cultural rap music workshop, cultural art therapy workshops, and an exploration of Aboriginal languages.

Digital backgrounds drawing on Indigenous works from Federation University’s art collection will feature on a video-conferencing platform used by staff and students.

NAIDOC Week this year runs from 8-15 November instead of its usual July slot due to the impact of COVID-19.

All Federation University NAIDOC Week online events are open to the public. Event registration details can be found at NAIDOC events webpage.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“NAIDOC Week is a part of the fabric at Federation University. Far from diminishing it, COVID-19 spurred us to find new ways to celebrate this time with staff, students and the broader community.” 

“Running our NAIDOC events online gives them greater impact and furthers their reach across the University and the communities it serves.” 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Aboriginal Education Liaison Officer Nicholas Johnson 

“The NAIDOC Week 2020 theme: Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived and cared for this Country for over 65,000 years.”  

“It’s about learning our ancestors’ history and significance in this Country, which continues Australia’s history today.”  

“We invite all Australians to celebrate the oldest continuing histories and cultures in the world and to recognise that our sovereignty was never ceded.”