School on country culture and Language studies

KOWANYAMA STATE SCHOOL

On country cultural and language studies

Kowanyama has kick started a program that includes language classes delivered by Elders and family at the school, with bush cultural excursions.

Language classes followed discussions held last year on the best way forward in addressing the challenges in teaching the three key traditional languages of Kowanyama, Kunjen, Kokoberra and Yir Yoront.

One class recently visited the bush paint site that was exposed on bottom Sandy Creek. Students learned how to gather the best white and red ochre ready for NAIDOC celebrations in September. Willie Banjo of Thilpiy Homeland and School Bus Driver and Priscilla Major Kokoberra Elder accompanied the young students. Priscilla is one of the Language Teachers

Maintaining the cultural heritage of ancestors and their children

Photographs courtesy of Kowanyama State School