MOUNT Gambier’s UniSA campus has celebrated 50 years of Aboriginal studies as part of events to mark Reconciliation Week.
The campus held various events over the week, including storytelling with Ken Jones, a traditional indigenous lunch by Ian Perry and a “welcome to country” with Aunty Michelle.
In addition to the events, students from UniSA took part in an exhibit in front of the campus as part of the ANTaR Sea of Hands campaign.
UniSA student association representative Georgina Gogel said the vision for Reconciliation Week started as a small celebration, but took off form there.
“I was so overwhelmed by the large number of students taking part in the Sea of Hands exhibit,” she said.
“It really shows our community’s respect and acknowledgment given to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.”
Ms Gogel said the program had created awareness allowing UniSA students to explore an issue that was often forgotten or pushed aside.
“Our theme this year was ‘Do not Keep History a Mystery’ and I believed the events we held opened many people’s eyes to what our indigenous community can teach us,” she said.
“Overall the events were very successful and allowed students the opportunity to delve into the hidden facts and the beautiful culture the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of our area have.
“Although my student leader position is only for this year, I am sure next year’s events will be bigger and better and hopefully inspired by what we have created.”
