FISH has been working with primary and secondary schools in the Bindjareb (Peel), Wadandi (Southwest) and Kimberley regions since 2017 to deliver Educational Programs with over 4000 students participating in 2018-2019.
FISH Student Cultural Days aim to bring people together to celebrate, share, teach and connect Aboriginal culture with all students.
Our Program provides the opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge whilst learning firsthand about one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
The activities showcase the wisdom and ways of a Culture that is rich and diverse and link into the key concepts of Country / Place, Culture and People.
FISH collaborates with local Indigenous businesses to follow traditional protocols, promote Indigenous businesses and broaden community engagement.
The students are taken on a cultural journey beginning with a fire lighting ceremony with an Aboriginal Elder. Students get involved in lighting the fire the traditional way and are taught the meaning and importance of keeping the fire lit.
There are many activities that are done in a station and the students cycle through the activities throughout the day.
The activities include;
- Australia’s Aboriginal history and colonisation;
- Discussing all the different tribes in the Noongar nation (locally aligned to the area);
- Understanding the difference between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement to Country;
- Students are taught the acknowledgement in the local language;
- Damper making with a senior Aboriginal woman;
- Bracelet making with the Aboriginal flag colours;
- Traditional Aboriginal face painting
- Learning the Noongar 6 seasons
- Noongar language game
- Students paint their own message sticks with traditional symbols and create a story from the animal tracks painted
The day ends with our Aboriginal elder’s reflections, acknowledgement and thanks to everyone who assisted, and everyone participating in a traditional dance to celebrate the day.
Participation in FISH Student Cultural Days helps students understand that Identities and Cultures are a source of strength and resilience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
