Why is it important for students to learn about Aboriginal culture?

The Australian Curriculum has acknowledged it needs to provide every opportunity possible to ‘close the gap’ in the learning outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students and their non-Indigenous peers. ACARA further acknowledges the special connection our people have with the land, sea, sky and waterways, along with our history and cultural practices, The ACARA, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross curriculum priority encourages schools to have all students engage with our culture. At Wanyara, we understand that it is difficult for non-Indigenous staff to take the first step when they have not had enough prior learning and connection to our culture. We endeavour to change that!

We offer the first step and we can deliver programs to support staff through professional development and cultural awareness, along with our very popular interactive student incursions.

We know the pride felt by First Nations students when their culture is shared, significantly influences their wellbeing, success and aspirations. We also know that learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander can embed a strong sense of identity, pride and self-esteem for all Australians. In learning, all students can engage in reconciliation, respect, and recognition of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

At Wanyara we deliver hands on cultural education, through a variety of programs and sessions and can equip your school staff to do the same.

Our Cultural Excursions

Recently we ran a weekly program at Nathalia Secondary School ending with a cultural excursion to the Flats for the students. Students participated in a range of cultural activities. The students were able to make traditional jewellery using emu feathers that can be worn by men and women during ceremonies.

Students also wore traditional paint, made with ochre. This helped the students feel their connection with our ancient traditions and carries deep spiritual significance.

Aunty Cheryl performed a smoking ceremony to be welcomed by our ancestors onto the land and to smoke our traditional jewellery to take this with us.

Next, the students were able to see footage of our people and the Flats in Mooroopna. The Flats became home to our people after the Cummeragunja walk off.

Finally we also got to go to the Flats and experience a tour with Aunty Cheryl and have lunch down by the river.

The whole experience helped us all have that cultural connection and feel the strength of our people, who took the steps that lead to us having the opportunities that we have today.

Our Dates of Importance

9th August 2022 is International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples On this day, people from around the world are encouraged to spread the United Nation's message on the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Our Charity Partnership

Wanyara has partnered with Grow Hope and, together, we share a vision of the creation of opportunities for Indigenous young people as we aspire for them to find their place in a future where all Australians walk and grow together.

A number of Victorian schools make a significant difference by fundraising for Grow Hope, to enable the delivery of Wanyara incursions in schools and areas that are unable to fund themselves.

There are a number of tried-and-true methods that schools use to successfully fundraise for causes in the community. Some simple and fun, yet meaningful, methods that your school could consider using include:

· A lunchtime sausage sizzle

· A casual clothes day with a gold coin donation

· A cake stall

· A parent raffle

If this sounds like something your school can get involved with, please do reach out to us.

How to get your colleagues to have a cultural understanding at work?

We have been running a few sessions recently in workplaces, so you are not the only one asking. Our most popular session has been on Acknowledgement of Country where we explore the diversity of country and community and gain understanding of the historical, cultural protocol of Welcome to Country and help our participants learn how to write a personal and meaningful Acknowledgement of Country.

Grow Hope Fundraising Appeal

This Children's Day, our Charity partner, Grow Hope is raising funds to support our programs and deepen our impact in the community. On Thursday, August 4, we invite you to consider making a donation.

In celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, Grow Hope is raising funds to support our programs and deepen our impact in the community.

Children's Day, held on Thursday, August 4 2022, is a time during which all Australians join with Indigenous families and communities to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The day is also a chance to learn about the crucial impact that culture, family, and community play in the life of every First Nations child.

The vision of the Grow Hope Foundation is the creation of opportunities for Indigenous young people as we aspire for them to find their place in a future where all Australians walk and grow together. Our educational programs create generational change by connecting Aboriginal children in Victoria and the Northern Territory with experiences that empower them to lead lives full of choice, connection and opportunity.

Funds raised on Children's Day will help us realise our plans to expand the reach and use of Hope House in Darwin, enable schools in disadvantaged communities to access cultural education through Wanyara, and deliver development projects that set young Indigenous Australians up for success in later life.