Yarning circles have been popping up in architectural and landscape projects across the country in recent decades, with current production possibly outstripping walls sporting Indigenous-themed decal. They are a visible signal of Indigenous consultation – tick! But despite their prevalence and contemporary role as a default symbol of Indigeneity, they are deeply enshrouded in myth, misinformation, misunderstanding and misapplication. You may encounter them as a project appendix, imbued with meaning from the sacred to the profane. While not wanting to cool down the yarning circle fever gripping the nation, I invite designers to integrate this feature more meaningfully and thoughtfully.
Often built at the request of Indigenous clients and stakeholders, with the aim of facilitating positive social and cultural connections within and between communities, yarning circles would seem full of positivity. So, why do they tend to lack an applied understanding of how to
