Traditional Mini Canoe Building with Uncle John Kelly
To Welcome NAIDOC Week 2026
Join us on Saturday 4 July 2026 as we welcome NAIDOC Week with a special cultural workshop at The Gallery, presented by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance.
Led by respected artist and cultural man Uncle John Kelly, this hands-on family-friendly experience invites participants to explore the traditional practice of canoe making while learning about Aboriginal culture, storytelling, connection to Country and the significance of waterways.
The Cultural Canoe Making Experience creates an opportunity to connect through culture, creativity and conversation. Guided by a First Nations cultural facilitator, participants will gain insight into traditional resource practices and the important role canoes played in Aboriginal communities, while creating their own individual mini canoe to take home.
Suitable for all ages, this welcoming workshop encourages shared learning, cultural understanding and creative participation in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Perfect for families, community members and visitors alike, this unique experience offers an engaging way to celebrate the beginning of NAIDOC Week and connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Mid North Coast.
Participants will
- Learn about the cultural significance of canoes and waterways within Aboriginal communities.
- Gain insight into local Aboriginal culture, connection to Country and traditional resource practices.
- Experience a hands-on cultural activity led by a First Nations cultural practitioner.
- Create their own individual mini canoe to take home.
- Connect with family, friends and community through creativity and shared experiences.
- Experience the workshop within The Gallery, surrounded by contemporary First Nations artwork and cultural stories from across the Mid North Coast.
- Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and Arnott’s biscuits throughout the workshop.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 4 July 2026
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (Please allow approximately 1.5–2 hours to complete your mini canoe)
Location: The Gallery, Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, Coffs Harbour
Cost: $10 per person
Age: Suitable for ages 6+
Children: Must be supervised by a parent or guardian
Bookings: Essential
What’s included
- Cultural introduction and storytelling
- Traditional mini canoe building activity
- Workshop materials and resources
- Individual mini canoe to take home
- Tea, coffee and biscuitsSmall group cultural learning experience
About Uncle John Kelly
Uncle John Kelly is a respected Dunghutti artist, cultural practitioner and educator who has spent many years sharing Aboriginal culture, stories and traditional knowledge through art and community engagement. Through his workshops, Uncle John creates welcoming spaces for people of all ages to learn about Aboriginal culture, connection to Country and the importance of preserving and sharing cultural knowledge for future generations.
More Than a Workshop
The Gallery is an Aboriginal-owned gallery operated by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation, supporting First Nations artists through exhibitions, retail opportunities and cultural programming, while returning 80% of artwork sales directly to creators. Your participation helps support Aboriginal artists and cultural programming while providing an opportunity to connect with culture, creativity and community in one of the Mid North Coast’s leading First Nations cultural spaces.
Presented by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
The Gallery
6 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour