By Olivia Bunter
In a collaboration of solidarity, northern suburbs schools celebrated Whadjuk Gift Day at Mater Dei College by coming together to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and traditions.
The event, held on Wednesday 3 April, commenced with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony led by Lenny Yarran, who is actively involved with the Whadjak Northside Aboriginal Community Group.
Mr Yarran addressed the group of some 300 students, explaining the importance of preserving Aboriginal culture through the art of storytelling and music.
“Our legacy comes from the stories of our history,” Mr Yarran explained.
“To keep those stories alive, we must share them with friends and family.”
Mater Dei College’s Year 7s were joined by Year 5 students and teachers from St Anthony’s School, St Luke’s Catholic Primary School, Whitford Catholic Primary School, Liwara Catholic Primary School, and Padbury Catholic Primary School.
Annette Morey, Principal of Mater Dei College, thanked special guests including Catholic Education Executive Director Dr Debra Sayce, City of Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton, City of Joondalup Mayor Hon Albert Jacob, and West Coast Eagles Aboriginal Liaison Officer Phil Narkel.
Mrs Morey explained to the large crowd the importance of celebrating Whadjuk Gift Day as a meaningful tradition to recognise Indigenous culture in the school community.
“Whadjuk Gift descended around meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Australians,” she said.
“We gather here today to promote and nurture the gift of Indigenous culture to our nation.
“Today you run on Wajuk Boodjar – Wajuk country. A sacred land looked after by the Noongar people for thousands of years. You now share this responsibility along with our Noongar people to care for the Wajuk Boodjar.”
Students later gathered on the school oval to surround a mural dedicated to Sir Douglas Nicholls, a significant shaper of Indigenous Australian history, before dividing into groups representing the 17 nations.
They participated in a range of cultural learning activities and competitive sports to compete on behalf of the different nations in the events.