Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names of people who have died.

In gathering natural fibres, making string, yarning and weaving, knowledge becomes visible, tactile and learned through practice.

Our project, Stories Behind the Fishing Net: Sitting with the Aunties, renewed traditional net-making practices on Widjabal Wia-bal Country in northern New South Wales. It sought to strengthen cultural continuity, reconnect generations and create opportunities to learn from Elders through hands-on practice and storytelling.

Held while the Northern Rivers was still recovering from catastrophic floods of 2022, the project grew from a much longer movement to revitalise weaving practices disrupted by colonisation.

In a region where waterways, communities and cultural systems have experienced profound disruption, the project created space to reconnect with Country, culture and each other.

The net-making process came from Country and carried responsibility back to Country. Fibre, story, memory and care were woven together, giving voice to the principle of taking only what is needed.

Nearly two decades ago, Yolŋu Elder, educator, master weaver and knowledge holder Merrkiyawuy “Merrki” Ganambarr-Stubbs began sharing weaving knowledge with Bundjalung women from Cabbage Tree Island.

Merrki’s........

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