Seminar | Words and Things as Repositories of Hope for Peace and Justice on the Ground

Join us for Words and Things as Repositories of Hope for Peace and Justice on the Ground, a public philosophy event exploring the life and legacy of Charlie Newili Brinken through two significant heritage items, a marluk (didgeridoo) and kuragadha (boomerang), created in Wadeye in the early 1930s and recently returned to the care of Charles Darwin University’s First Nations Sovereignty and Diplomacy Centre (FNSDC). Following a private Wangga Ceremony connected to the repatriation of these items, this seminar celebrates their remarkable journey and the stories they carry, including connections to three Japanese seamen commemorated at the Gardens Road Cemetery in Darwin.

Presentations by Wadeye elder and researcher William Thengalith Parmbuk, Professor Helen Verran, Dr Leonie Norrington and Dr Yasunori Hayashi will explore themes of cultural continuity, storytelling, diplomacy and hope, highlighting the role of heritage, oral history and archival practice in supporting reconciliation and future dialogue.

This seminar is presented in partnership between the Northern Institute and Library & Archives NT.

Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Location: Library & Archives NT, Level 2, Danala, 54 Cavanagh Street, Darwin City

This is a free event however bookings are essential.

To attend the seminar in person: RSVP here

To watch the seminar online via Zoom: Register here

For more information: Click here