Anglicare has provided youth justice support for young people who are at risk of or involved in the justice system for many years.
The programs offer a wide range of practical skills development and support, including supporting the cultural and spiritual connections so important for many young people as they seek a more positive life pathway.
One of our previous programs, based at Carbrook in Logan, established a yarning circle with the young people and local Elders.
A yarning circle is a place to share. For young people, it is a space to speak their mind without fear. It’s also a space where Elders share their knowledge with a new generation and for newcomers to discover their place and heritage.
The circle doesn’t belong to anyone. There are custodians, caretakers, but the circle is for everyone.
It represents unity between people, but also between the earth and its elements.
The four totems spaced around the circle and representing the four elements (earth, water, fire and air), are there to remind us of that relationship.
The totems
Air is placed to the north. This totem is represented by the cockatoo, and further signifies family and community. It bears the colour of the sky and the sun.
To the east is water, and this totem shows a sea turtle with the colour of the sea. The sea turtle spends most of its life in solitude; signifying courage, the spirit, and the determination to walk your own path.
Earth is to the south, represented by an echidna bearing the colours of the sand and red earth. The echidna moves with its belly to the ground; signifying staying grounded and keeping one’s feet firmly on the earth.
Fire is to the west, towards the deserts. A red snake is wrapped around the totem, coloured in charcoal and sunset orange, and representing the magnanimity of nature. A snake will retaliate if it’s interfered with but will otherwise keep to itself. This is the same with Mother Nature: we should not look to dominate nature or hold ourselves as a force above her.
The totems act as a compass for those inside the circle. There’s a sense of space which encourages users to speak freely and comfortably within their surroundings.
The yarning circle became part of the journey of the young people in our program. Thus, helping them to choose a different path, where they could move forward into adulthood with a deeper sense of belonging and identity.
Based on an article by Sam Deng, Reconciling Histories intern