So many of us don’t have language and I tell the kids you can be the person in your family to bring it back.
Baraya Barray - Whale Song
Baraya Barray - Whale Song brings attention to the origin of First Nations languages and the important lessons we can learn from our natural environment in caring for Country by celebrating saltwater songlines of the East Coast following the movements of Humpback Whales from Lutruwita (TAS) to Meanjin (QLD).
During this three year program, communities across the east coast will connect young First Nations people with Elders, Language Custodians, scientists, poets and musicians, through On Country immersive experiences, to learn about and respond to our original language holders — the Whales.
2026 Workshops
Baraya Barray - Whale Song will make its way up the east coast in 2026 working in the following language communities:
- Gadigal
- Djiringanj
Over 100 First Nations students will learn their community whale story, First Nations environmental and marine knowledges and language in intergenerational knowledge sharing workshops and respond through poetry, song and dance.
Creations will be shared with community and the wider public in performance and exhibition outcomes determined by each community, ensuring self-determination and culture preservation.
2026 Commissioned Artists, Elders and Custodians
Baraya Barray - Whale Song has always been shaped through collaboration, relationship and shared cultural knowledge. From the beginning, Elders, knowledge holders, poets, musicians, dancers and artists have guided the program, with new creatives and community voices joining us as we travel across Salt Water Country. Each place carries its connections to the whale’s journey, and Baraya Barray - Whale Song continues to grow through those encounters.
Below are some of the upcoming commissions, collaborators and knowledge holders who will be part of Baraya Barray - Whale Song in 2026. We look forward to sharing more as we continue meeting incredible First Nations storytellers across Country.
2026 Commissioned Artists, Elders and Custodians
Baraya Barray Live at the Sydney Writers' Festival
Last year, a full house gathered at the Sydney Writers’ Festival for a breathtaking Baraya Barray - Whale Song panel, where First Nations artists and cultural leaders shared the knowledge, poetry and music within Whale Song. Featuring Eric Avery, Elizabeth Luland, Kirli Saunders and hosted by Luke Patterson. Listen to the full live-recording on the Red Room Poetry podcast.
Workshops and Learning Resources
To engage with this program at home and in the classroom we have developed the following resources:
The above illustrations were hand-drawn by students and Custodians, and manually digitised by Red Room Poetry staff.
There is a real thirst and hunger to be taught and to learn in this way and it's a treat to be able to run a program like this and get our kids out and connected to Country, learning about language and carrying the stories and songlines forward… across the day you see a kind of pride that starts to bubble in them, they stand a bit taller and they speak a bit louder and more confidently. Our kids are feeling connected, not only to the land and to nature but to each other. They feel strong and proud of who they are.
Supporters and Partners
Proudly supported by our generous partners and donors.
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Oranges and Sardines
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The Albert Fisher Family Trust
The Albert Fisher Family Trust -
Tim Game SC
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Phillip Boulten SC
Phillip Boulten SC -
ANCORS Wollongong University
