A WIN FOR A LONG TIME FRIEND OF THE COLLEGE

Last week, Australians celebrated as native title was given in favour of Pila Nature Reserve's traditional owners and is now formally published in law - the first in the nation. As the orders were signed, about 80 traditional owners, government and legal representatives gathered at a sacred site called Mina Mina on the reserve, which is nearly 2,000 kilometres north-east of Perth.

Daisy Ward, a tribal elder from Warakurna who was interviewed in the history making article, has been a long time friend of the College ever since 2011, when 18 Aboriginal students and seven staff, including teachers and elders from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands School, were hosted by our Young Vinnies group. The Aboriginal students were treated to sports, games and many other activities while at Sacred Heart, including painting the mural that now hangs proudly in our Pastoral Care Centre.

Following great positivity from this event, the elders exclusively invited three of our Young Vinnies students and our former Principal, Mr Peter Bothe, to their Annual Desert Dust Up to enjoy three days of art, culture and sport.

Mrs Hywood rang Daisy this week on behalf of the College to congratulate her tribe on being offered the native title for their land and they reminisced about their experiences together. 

You can read ABC's coverage of the story and a brief history of our relationship with Daisy Ward and the community below.