Presented by Monash University, Kindred People is a powerful new Indigenous-led festival held across the University’s campuses on Kulin Country. The inaugural festival was held in September 2026 and brought together artists, Elders, Knowledge Holders and communities from across the globe to celebrate First Nations arts, culture and wisdom. Curated by Gunditjmara man Tom Molyneux and guided by an Indigenous Steering Committee, the festival transformed Monash into a vibrant space of ceremony, creativity and connection.

Guiding the cultural narrative was Professor N’arwee’t Carolyn Briggs AM, Senior Boon Wurrung Elder, who worked closely with the creative team to make sure Boon Wurrung knowledge and philosophy remained at the heart of the festival’s story.

At its centre was kummargi yulendj gadhaba, a dedicated two-day speakers program focused on dialogue and collective thinking. The name means “knowledge rising up together” in Boonwurrung language, and the program created space for First Nations voices to connect through conversation, reflection and exchange.

The performance program featured two major world premieres from leading First Nations artists. The Scarecrow and Waa, from Narrm-based First Nations circus company Na Djinang Circus, shared the program with Decolonising the Bells, a new experimental sound experience by Noongar composer and viola player Aaron Wyatt in collaboration with Speak Percussion, which reimagines Victoria’s “Federation Handbells”.

To close out the inaugural festival, Monash University welcomed everyone to djeembana yalinwa, a community day bringing together a vibrant program of music, food, community and family-friendly experiences in a day-long celebration of First Nations culture.

Media coverage included SBS News, 10 News, ABC Radio National’s Music Show and the Herald Sun, introducing a brand-new cultural festival to audiences across Australia.

Kindred People will now be presented every two years, with the next festival to be staged in 2028.