On Monday 10 May, we had 100 Aboriginal students attend from 10 different schools for the Aboriginal Youth Program (that we run) called Yaitya Tita. Students came together to work with Reconciliation SA on the 2021 theme: Not Just a Word, Reconciliation Takes Action. The evening was also enjoyed with pizza and a movie. It was great to see all the students socialising and enjoying the night.
The cultural learning will steadily increase as we continue into National Reconciliation Week 27 May – June 2021. Arriving on campus recently to share their wisdom and teach us culture were Kaurna Elders, Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Uncle John Lochowiak and Uncle Ivan Tiwu Copley. In addition, we had Tjimari Sanderson-Milera, a young Kaurna Aboriginal leader share with the Year 10 Tutor Group teachers. He will be working with the Year 11 students on Friday 14 May, and will be followed by Marlon Motlop, Larrakia leader, who will also be working with Year 11 and 12 students.
There is a buzz of activity from the PAC Early Learning Centre to the Preparatory School as well. Uncle Mickey will be returning to teach the ELC staff. Tjimari will be facilitating learning in Prep with classes and an assembly, sharing about boomerangs, spears, cultural traditions and the significance of ochre.
On Wednesday 26 May we will be holding a Sorry Ceremony by the flag poles at 7:50 AM to acknowledge National Sorry Day. Wade Allen and Michelle Stallan (brother and sister) will share their mother’s story about being taken from her Aboriginal family. Uncle Mickey will be there to supervise this event and do a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony.
This increased activity is a testament to the authenticity of PAC staff and students in our collective desire to keep learning and paying our respect to the traditional custodians of the Aboriginal people of Australia.
Monica Magann
Aboriginal Students Co-ordinator