School Captain's Report
Welcome to Country - Smoking Ceremony
On the 20th of February, Uncle Mark Brown strode onto the center stage, captivating the audience immediately. He explained his spiritual connections to the Aboriginals, and how his family honors their roots to his ancestors. As he interpreted how he expresses respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, he added the different plants and leaves to the fire creating more smoke and leaving the viewers with awe! He used eucalyptus, acacia, and emu bush as kindling to his fire he was making.
Uncle Mark often focused on acknowledging the First Nations ongoing connection to land, culture, and their status as Traditional Custodians.
The principals and School Captains had been offered to walk through the smoke, which carries both spiritual and physical benefits, preparing the principals and captains for a safe, positive journey in their future and careers.
What is a “smoking ceremony?”
A smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal practice/custom involving the burning of plants to create smoke. It is supposed to cleanse people and spaces, ward off negative energy/spirits and promote health and wellbeing.
Performed by Elders or knowledge holders, it signifies a fresh start and is used for events, healing, and to welcome visitors. It was a wonderful, spiritual way to welcome us to their country, the Wurunjeri Woi Wurrung and the Bunurong people’s land.
How did the Smoking Ceremony affect our thoughts and beliefs?
The Smoking Ceremony drew many students and teachers closer to the Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders. It was truly a way to reflect our thoughts about how the Aboriginals survived extremely difficult times. The Smoking Ceremony helped everyone put themselves in the Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islander’s shoes and build a connection between the two generations.
Everyone felt a deep connection between Wheelers Hill Primary School and the Aboriginals and Torress Straight Islanders. We hope many people feel delighted about sharing a beautiful relationship with our First Nations.
The Smoking Ceremony will always remain a celebration in our students, teachers and principals’ hearts.
Why was the Smoking Ceremony significant to WHPS?
This ceremony was a milestone in our school’s history. This was the first ever smoking ceremony, and it was a thoroughly enjoyed event.
It helped us understand the importance of sharing our land with the Aboriginals, and the ways of the Indigenous. It helped make a bridge over the rift of uncertainties, from us to the Kulin Nation’s people. It helped us understand the lives, from the hardships to their successes, of the Indigenous. We learnt about their culture, their connections to the lands and waterways, and their spiritual ways.
It was a significant event, in our lives, principal’s lives, our fellow student’s lives, and the school’s life. We are forever grateful for this wondrous experience.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express a special thank you to Mrs. Bartleton and Mr. Ramsey for organizing the prestigious event in WHPS’ history. This smoking ceremony experience was one of its kind. We appreciate that it was bestowed upon us, and we learned some valuable lessons from it.
On behalf of WHPS, we would like to convey our gratitude to Uncle Mark Brown for performing the Smoking Ceremony, explaining his ties and relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders and reflecting the First Nations’ lifestyle. Thank you for devoting a substantial effort to plan and perform such a remarkable event!
In conclusion, we should never forget our roots and ancestors- just like how a tree uses their roots as steppingstones in their adolescence, we should use our ancestors and root’s hardships and successes to guide us into our later lives.
Written by
Ishaan Deepak and Amaira Gandhi,
School Captains