Five ways to connect to country in Canberra

Comprising over 7500 works, the National Gallery of Australia is privileged to house the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. From ancient traditions to contemporary practices, each masterpiece connects audiences with the unique perspectives of First Nations artists, their experiences, cultures and deep and enduring connections to Country.

For original, handcrafted arts and crafts by local Aboriginal artists, head to Burrunju Art Gallery and Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery.

For a hands-on experience join artist Gail Neuss, from Ngarigu Country, at the National Arboretum Canberra for an interactive workshop to explore storytelling and symbols.

Explore the shared stories and experiences of First Nations peoples in the First Australians Gallery and Talking Blak to History exhibition at the National Museum of Australia, before heading outside to enjoy the forecourt garden and sculptural Uluru Line. Daily talks and tours available.

At Australian Parliament House, the daily ‘Yeribee’: Indigenous experiences tour offers a unique insight into how First Nations peoples have brought about change through their roles in the nation’s democratic processes. The tour is free but must be booked in advance. Another historically significant site is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, located opposite the Museum of Australian Democracy. First established in 1972 to protest the government’s approach to Indigenous Australian land rights, it remains as a permanent protest occupation site representing the political rights of First Nations peoples.

Reconciliation Day in Canberra will be held at the National Arboretum Canberra, with a family-friendly program designed to promote conversations and foster a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Reconciliation Day is part of National Reconciliation Week and is a time for all Canberrans to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievement, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

From panel discussions to art and crafts and storytelling, to live entertainment, stalls and exhibitions, the event will offer a family friendly and engaging program that creates a welcoming environment, encouraging all members of the community to attend and participate.

To explore Ngunnawal Country at your own pace complete the self-drive Aboriginal heritage track. Taking in cultural sites including the Murrumbidgee River and Namadgi National Park and other traditional meeting places where the Ngunnawal people welcomed and hosted mobs from the surrounding region to discuss land, lore and culture. See the mountains that were used for ceremonial purposes such as initiation, marriage and trading resources.

Take a walk through Reconciliation Place. Reconciliation Place is a walkway of sculptures which begins opposite the National Library of Australia. It was created in 2001 as a monument to the reconciliation between Australia's indigenous people and the settler population. Each sculpture represents a story about indigenous culture which draws attention to issues such as the reconciliation process, indigenous people during wartime, the stolen generation and the referendum for indigenous people to vote.