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First Nations

Songlines: Behind the artwork that lit up the Opera House at Vivid LIVE 2016
Rhoda Roberts, Sydney Opera House's Head of First Nation's Programming tells the story of songlines and why this ancient knowledge is at the core of Indigenous and Australian identity.

Why NAIDOC matters
We ask some of our Opera House family – performers and artists who take centre stage during this week of celebration – to discuss this year's NAIDOC theme and to unpack why the week matters to them.

No Aboriginal disadvantage
Aboriginal culture can be part of Australia's shared strength, says SOH's head of First Nations Programming Rhoda Roberts.

Welcome to DANCE RITES 2020: a letter from Rhoda Roberts
Rhoda Roberts, Head of First Nations programming, welcomes participants and audiences to DANCE RITES 2020 from across Australia as we acknowledge the diverse ancestral lands, waterways and Sky country.

Exposing the fallacy of circus ‘showmen’
Debunking the myth of circus showmen ahead of Opera House original production Natives Go Wild. Learn the truth of a business that coerced and scammed First People, who were put on display and forced to perform.

The story of Badu Gili
Meet the Indigenous artists bringing First Nations cultures to the world.

“Rebirth and resurrection”
Who better to help reopen the heart of the Opera House than William Barton? The celebrated Kalkadunga musician estimates he has played the venue over 300 times. This week, with clapsticks made from wood salvaged from the stage, he'll perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in a triumphant return to the Concert Hall.

Badu Gili’s Frances Belle Parker
We talk to Frances Belle Parker, one of the five Badu Gili artists, about her work, her motivation and how she's used the Opera House’s sails as a blank canvas.

Deborah Mailman on Rhoda Roberts’ “remarkable” 16 years at the Sydney Opera House
Few people have had as much influence on what takes place in these hallowed halls as Rhoda Roberts. This month, she finishes her incredible stint at the Opera House. We spoke to actress and Trustee Deborah Mailman about Robert's everlasting impact.

Katie Noonan pens tribute to legendary First Nations poet
Read her letter celebrating three powerful Queensland women.

Learning from Country: An Indigenous design perspective
Wailwan/Kamilaroi man Jefa Greenaway was the first Indigenous architect to be registered in Victoria. Speaking as part of Antidote panel Resetting the World, Greenaway writes on why it's more critical than ever we infuse Indigenous perspectives into our design thinking.

Watch all Lighting of the Sails from the past decade
The Sails have been lit with stunning artwork from the past decade, from groundbreaking visual studios to the sacred art of our First Nations people. Journey back and watch all of these artworks and learn about the creators behind them.

Spirit of collaboration inspires ground-breaking Vivid LIVE sails artwork
Emily Nicol speaks to the creators of this year's extraordinary Vivid Lighting of the Sails artwork: the Martumili Artists, musicians Electric Fields, and creative technologists Curiious.