Indigenous Perspectives

A number of our St Mary's staff members were lucky enough to attend the Bundjil's Nest Project Annual Conference in Balnarring last Friday and Saturday. The project's vision is to provide an inspiring opportunity to collaborate and network with other schools and services on their own reconciliation journeys. The Project is committed to reconciliation and embedding First People's voices, history and perspectives into community services, health, early childhood, primary and secondary programs and curriculums.

We had the honour of taking part in a vast array of inspiring experiences, including a Smoking Ceremony by Jaeden Williams (a proud Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung; founder and director of Biik Bundjil, a Boonwurrung educational organisation), a moving yidaki meditation with Lionel Lauch from Living Culture as well as a breathtaking dance performance from the team at Culture Evolves.

We had the privilege of listening to and learning from a number of First Nations people in presentations and workshops over the two days. We explored the role we play as educators, to connect to the truth-telling and beauty within First Nations Cultures and History, Creating Culturally Safe Environments and Inclusiveness and explored ways of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures into our school. We were also lucky enough to take part in a range of hands-on learning experiences, including Marngrook making (possum skin balls), weaving and emu egg carving. A truly amazing two days of learning for all of us.

Lucette and Miss Dullard were fortunate enough to attend a workshop with Fay Stewart-Muir. Fay is a Boonwurrung Elder, a linguistics specialist and author who cares about sharing her culture and stories with all, to enjoy and take on a journey of learning. We have a number of Fay's books at our school including 'Respect' and 'Family'. Fay kindly wrote a message to St Mary's in the book 'Respect' which is on display in the office area. Please come and have a read of Fay's important message for us. In the book 'Respect', Faye can be found in one of the illustrations, 'gathered beside dancing fire'.