YO Bendigo, in collaboration with Bendigo Senior Secondary (BSSC) and Dumawul (Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises), recently organized a cultural training session for First Nations youth. The training aimed to provide students with an immersive on-country cultural competency experience, enabling them to learn about Dja Dja Wurrung culture beyond the classroom. The session took place at Kooyoora State Park (Guyura), where a group of 20 First Nations students were able to learn from elders and Dja Dja Wurrang facilitators.
The day-long session included a smoking ceremony, trail walk, a digeridoo performance, discussion with Elders, Indigenous dancing, and learning about different First Nations objects and their meanings. The students were from various First Nation countries, including Yorta Yorta, Barkinji, Noogar, Palawa and Gunaikurnai.
Through the experience the students were able to gain greater confidence in their identity and connection to country. They were able to learn about landscape, Djaara uses of the land, history, truth-telling, and moving forward while walking and talking through the rich cultural landscape and granite rock formations of the area.
Being immersed in nature additionally allowed them to disconnect from their day-to-day lives and gain a sense of the importance of visiting places as a way of connecting with spirit and culture. One student described their experience as "fun for the first time in years without tech." Other students also enjoyed learning in a practical and hands-on setting, with others mentioning that it was their first time visiting Kooyoora State Park (Guyura).
“The students left feeling proud, valued and with new insights to how they see Country,” said BSSC Teacher & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Coordinator, Susan Pickles.
“With the group bonding strongly by participating in the reflections, activities, and by visiting cultural heritage sites.”
The excursion to Kooyoora highlights the importance of providing opportunities for First Nations young people to learn about culture and build their leadership skills. By working together, we plan to create more opportunities, like this one, and provide skill development and social connection opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
