Uncle Rick's cultural lessons captivate students

As is now tradition at Mathoura, local Aboriginal Elder Rick Ronnan was invited to share his culture with the students.

“The entire school walked to the beautiful bushlands near the Gulpa Creek Walking Trail, where Uncle Rick opened the celebrations with a 'Welcome to Country' and conducted a traditional smoking ceremony for the students and staff,” principal Janice Eddy said.

“Following the official opening, students took part in a variety of activities, including an artefact presentation, playing the didgeridoo and tapping clapsticks, Aboriginal dancing, sampling damper and kangaroo cooked over the campfire, weaving, and Aboriginal face painting.

“Mathoura Public School is extremely grateful for the ongoing support that Rick Ronnan provides to their school, educating students about local Aboriginal history and culture.”

A number of other schools also hosted NAIDOC Week activities before the end of term, and community celebrations in Deniliquin kicked off yesterday with a flag raising ceremony at the Deniliquin Police Station.

The big event this week is the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council’s NAIDOC Koori Market this Thursday.

Starting at 10.30am and running through to about 2.30pm, the market will be hosted on the Cressy St side of the Deniliquin Waring Gardens, surrounding the Multi Arts Hall.

This is a great chance to learn about and support local Aboriginal culture.

Market stalls will be a mix of local community members selling their products, and service providers who will share information on how they support the community.

There’s also activities for young and old alike, and a barbecue lunch will be provided.

Held the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.