CULTURE
Recognising our
First Nations Peoples LORETO NORMANHURST CELEBRATES THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES – THE FIRST AUSTRALIANS AND THE OLDEST SURVIVING CULTURE IN THE WORLD. TWO OF OUR STUDENTS SHARE THEIR REFLECTIONS ON THEIR OWN CULTURAL AWARENESS.
I
am a Wiradjuri woman of the Barkinji tribe of Bourke, NSW. In August each year, the whole Year 9 cohort at Loreto Normanhurst travels to Far North Queensland for two weeks, to experience the tribes and cultures in the Yarrabah area. I found the experience provided me with insight into the different environments, traditions and cultures of Indigenous Australian communities. I was able to talk to elders, walk on sacred sites, see Aboriginal artworks and learn how to use handmade traditional spears.
“When I listened to the stories of traditional elder, Aunty Syb, it impacted me emotionally because I could relate to her stories about her culture, how she grew up and the drastic challenges of the Stolen Generation.” The experience was very eye-opening and we gained so much knowledge about Aboriginal Peoples and the culture that makes Australia so unique. I feel very fortunate that I was
Cruci Dum Spiro Fido
given the opportunity to experience this learning of culture in an enjoyable and ‘hands on’ way. Loreto Normanhurst also implemented our Reconciliation Action Plan this year, the school’s formal commitment to reconciliation and as a school, we participate in Close the Gap Day and Harmony Day, recognising these days as one of respect and appreciation for the diversities in Australia and to commemorate Aboriginal culture. As an Indigenous student at Loreto Normanhurst, this is very personal and important to me. I have learnt many new things about the history and statistics of my people and feel that every student should be given this same opportunity, as this is one way that it can keep our spirituality alive. CLARE STEVENSON Year 9
I am a proud Wiradjuri woman; my ancestors were the first inhabitants of the Forbes district over 40,000 years ago. My education at Loreto is invaluable; and it has shaped the person I have become. Through my education, my knowledge of my own culture as well as the importance of
reconciliation between Australia’s first people and wider Australia, has been enhanced. Within my HSC body of work, titled, 'Our Past, Her Future' (pictured left), the inextricable connection between the past, present and future which is fundamental to Aboriginal culture is explored; whilst also providing insight into responsibilities of Aboriginal Peoples in terms of communal relationships, as well as the fundamental connection that Aboriginal Peoples share with the land as it is inherently connected to all aspects of being.
“This work also reveals deeply personal familial stories through the use of unique codes and symbols enabling my work to depict previous Dreamings, histories and experiences that have come before, as an integral influence on both our shared and individual futures.” LUA PELLEGRINI Class of 2019
Special Edition 2020
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LORETO LIFE 29
