Dharug Language and Culture, November 2020
Always Was, Always Will Be. This is the theme for Naidoc Week celebrations this week, recognising that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. I recently listened to a conversation with Dr. Mary Graham where she posed the question, how different would it have been if “Captain Cook” had sat down on the beach with Aboriginal people and come onto Country according to Law? She also indicated this can still happen across Australia now.
‘The white man’s law is always changing, but Aboriginal Law never changes, and is valid for all people.’
Mr. Bill Neidjie, ‘Kakadu Man’
We have been learning a beautiful Good Dreaming song, Gunyalungalung written by Uncle Guboo Ted Thomas and translated into Dharug by Aunty Corina (Class 2 Malakai’s mum). Elder Guboo Ted Thomas wanted this song to be shared across Australia in many languages. Corina is sharing language and culture with the Primary School classes each week which last week included a smoking ceremony.
On Tuesday, Jo Clancy will share with the whole school, the film made with the High School Sista Circle as well as the dances they did together.
As a School Community, we have accepted the invitation of the Uluru Statement of the Heart to walk with First Nation’s people in a movement of the Australian people for a better future, including supporting the Reform Framework Voice, Treaty and Truth.
We recognise that here on lands of Dharug and Gundungurra Nations, land and sovereignty were never ceded.
