STUDENTS from Brungle, Jugiong and Bongongo Public Schools gathered at Brungle yesterday (Wednesday) for a celebration of NAIDOC.
About 50 students accompanied by their teachers started the day with a morning tea before heading to the ‘Yarning Circle” where Uncle Paul Bulger conducted a smoking ceremony at which all students were invited to walk around the circle and gather in some of the smoke.
The Brungle students then gave their own welcome to everyone speaking in Indigenous and English language – recited beautifully along with members of the local Wiradjuri clan.
Attending the day also was Russell Graham, Director of Education Leadership for the Gundagai Network and arriving from Wagga for the day.
Mr Graham said the Small Schools NAIDOC Day was about getting together and celebrating the cultural traditions and culture of the Wiradjuri people.
“These days are vital for community and school communities bringing together schools from different areas and being together to explore the culture.
“Kids love it – they love being in the country where they get to work on its beauty and gaining knowledge from the elders,” Mr Graham said.
The theme for NAIDOC Week this year was Blak, Loud ad Proud: Keep The Fire Burning.
Mr Graham said it is hoped that through these type of events that the cultures can be instilled into the kids.
Also attending the day were members of the Network including Aunty Phyllis Freeman, Aunty Sonia Piper, Uncle Paul Bulger, Shane Herrington (Cultural Knowledge Holder), Regina Russell (Aboriginal Education Officer) and Brodie Kerr (teacher).
