ST Mary MacKillop College students have had the opportunity to learn all about Torres Strait Islander culture during National Reconciliation Week.
Making the journey to Swan Hill from the Torres Strait was Jimi Bani, George Mura, Idabi Tom and Tobias Fatnowna, educating students on a part of an Indigenous culture that they may not be as familiar with.
“It’s amazing, it really sparks interest,” Mr Fatnowna told The Guardian.
“At the start it’s very unusual for some kids, because they don’t know that we actually exist until we actually tell them like, yeah there are Aboriginal people that are brothers and sisters of the mainland, but it is completely different in the Torres Strait, and we have our own people up there.
“It’s been a great opportunity for me to come down and promote my culture and talk about my people.”
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is Be a Voice for Generations – a theme that resonated strongly with Mr Fatnowna as he spoke to St Mary MacKillop College students during the week.
“I think the most important thing for us is to educate the next generation coming through so that we get it right when they are adults – so they are educated enough to know that hey, hold on, this is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues,” Mr Fatnowna said.
“Some of the questions we have been asked over the past few days have just blown our minds, it’s been amazing.”
Swan Hill District Health Aboriginal liaison officer Debra Chaplin, who attended one of the sessions run by Mr Fatnowna, said Reconciliation Week was a time dedicated to building positive, respectful relationships while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia,” she said.
“The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians needs to be based on justice, equity and the proper recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.
“Truth-telling and healing is everybody’s business.”
