Australia Awards South and West Asia

Ahead of NAIDOC Week 2026 (5–12 July), Australia Awards scholars from Pakistan have been learning first-hand about Australia’s First Nations peoples. NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of the cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Pakistani scholar Shamsa Yousaf, together with 10 other scholars, travelled to South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park from 22 to 25 May to learn about the Adnyamathanha people under the guidance of John Solar, a Yura man and Adnyamathanha cultural educator.

Shamsa (right) pictured with other scholars from Bangladesh and Bhutan at the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

During their time on Adnyamathanha Country, John shared Yura Muda (creation stories), spoke in language, and highlighted plants that Adnyamathanha people used for medicine, ceremony and food. Activities included hiking to Akurra Adnya (Arkaroo Rock), one of the most culturally significant and sacred Adnyamathanha rock art sites; making fire; cooking damper; and looking for native animals, including Andu (yellow-footed rock-wallabies) and witchetty grubs—the English name of which derives from the Adnyamathanha word witjuri.

Shamsa (left) interacting with guide John (right) during the study tour at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

For Shamsa, who is studying a Master of Climate Change, the trip was an opportunity to reflect. “The experience changed the way I think about knowledge, land and environmental governance,” she says. “I realised that knowledge is not only scientific or written, but also lived, shared and passed through culture, storytelling and experience. In particular, I understood that climate change cannot be addressed only through top-down policies or technical solutions; it also requires the inclusion of local communities and traditional knowledge systems.”

Shamsa (right) sharing a candid moment with Alica Tamang (left), Indigenous Engagement Adviser at Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia, during the study tour in the Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park.

In June, Australia Awards scholars from Pakistan joined two online weaving workshops led by Ronnie Jordan, a Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla woman and cultural facilitator. Scholars were sent weaving materials before the sessions so they could work alongside Ronnie as she demonstrated each step.

Ronnie introduced weaving as a cultural practice shaped by Country, environment, memory and community. She explained how weaving connects people to place and to each other, and how it can support storytelling, identity and emotional wellbeing.

Scholars learnt about the use of natural fibres and the knowledge required to collect and prepare materials respectfully. Ronnie also shared how weaving techniques have been used to create practical tools, including baskets and fish traps, and how these practices reflect sustainable ways of caring for Country.

During the practical part of the workshops, scholars were guided through basic weaving steps and encouraged to work at their own pace. The activity created space for cultural learning, reflection and creativity, helping participants engage with First Nations knowledge in a hands-on and respectful way.

Scholars, including Wirdah Kaif (top right corner) and Seemal Mushtaq (third row from top, right-hand side) participate in the weaving workshop.

Also in June, the three Melbourne-based Scholar Ambassadors, including Pakistani scholar Wirdah Kaif, facilitated scholars’ participation in an Aboriginal Cultural Connection Workshop. The two-hour session, which was hosted by the North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre in collaboration with Yarn Strong Sista, offered the scholars the chance to learn about Aboriginal culture through storytelling, conversation and creative activities in a welcoming community environment.

The workshop concluded with a hands-on ochre-inspired art activity guided by artist Annette Sax, a proud Taungurung woman from the Eastern Kulin Nation. Annette encouraged the scholars to be creative with natural materials while sharing their own cultural identity stories.

Pakistani scholar Wirdah Kaif, (in brown jacket) shares her work during the art exercise guided by Taungurung artist Annette Sax.

Collectively, these experiences gave the scholars practical and reflective ways to engage with First Nations Australians and learn about their cultures and knowledge systems. As NAIDOC Week approaches, their reflections highlight how cultural learning can deepen respect and create connections across countries and communities.