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Indigenous ceremonies mark start of Defence College year
The Smoking Ceremony was held for the first time at the Australian Defence College. Image supplied
supplied by Dept Defence 3 February 2014
I
n a first for the Australian Defence College, an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country were performed for staff and students to mark the start of their 2014 academic year. The ceremonies were conducted by the Indigenous dance troop, the Wiradjuri Echoes, and Ngunnawal elder, Aunty Agnes Shea. A highlight of the ceremony
included the presentation of a ‘Message Stick’ to Principal of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, Ian Errington, and Commandant of the Australian Command and Staff College, Brigadier Peter Gates. Brigadier Gates said being presented with a Message Stick was an incredible privilege and an honour for the Australian Defence College. “Through these ceremonies we wanted to show our respects to
the Indigenous community and highlight their importance to the staff and students at the Australian Defence College,” he said. “This event was an excellent opportunity for our local and international students to learn about history and traditions of Indigenous culture, including their contribution to the defence of Australia.” “This experience is something they are not likely to forget. “It was great way to start the academic year.”
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