ATSI Update – Semester 1

During Semester 1, our ATSI students spent 5-days at Hilltaba Nature Reserve for the Kids on Country Camp, Junior Ranger Program. Hiltaba Nature Reserve is located on the traditional lands of the Gawler Ranges People – Kokatha, Bungala and Wirangu, 750km Northwest of Adelaide. This was a way for students to get connected to Country and Culture.

Whilst on camp Aunty Jaylene Ware, proud Wirangu women shared cultural and historic knowledge and led culturally appropriate activities to connect students to culture and improve understanding of Indigenous history.

Students also competed in Nunga Tag in Term 2. Nunga Tag is a community event that brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people together for a day of Rugby tag and also an opportunity to meet with other ATSI students from North-Eastern Schooling community and supports within our community including the universities, TAFE and health services.

We also had students engage with supports and services with Workabout. Through this we have seen students get their drivers licence, first aid certificates, and a student commence a Cert II in a beauty course.

Marra Dreaming came for a visit to celebrate Reconciliation and NAIDOC week. All First Nation students were able to share their culture with classmates in a workshop that included Aboriginal art, guided painting sessions for each student, cultural artefacts and a yarn with some local Elders

I would also like to congratulate Cooper and Kase in making it to the finals of the “OUR SAAY” Competition and wish them luck in the finals. The “OUR SAAY” Public Speaking Competition encourages Aboriginal children and young people to raise their voices on important topics and matters in Aboriginal affairs. Both students had a hard topic to speak on that which has had them both researching and reflecting heavily on.

Nige Herbert
Student Wellbeing Leader, ATSI Support