GLADYS Smith Early Learning Centre embraced indigenous culture and history last week with a line up of special performances and activities for NAIDOC Week.
Students from the early learning centre visited Millicent High School’s Aboriginal meeting place last week for an interactive learning experience around indigenous culture and history.
Aboriginal education workers Jenny Bishop and Kathy Bell were joined by South East Aboriginal Focus Group elder Doug Nicholls in demonstrating Aboriginal history, spirituality and rites through story and dance to students.
Mr Nicholls opened the morning with a smoking ceremony before leading children in a boomerang throwing exercise as well as playing the didgeridoo and tapping sticks.
Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre co-director Clara Walker said the day lead to greater awareness, empathy and compassion among the young students.
“It is important for children to learn empathy and compassion and learn that even though we might look and be different than other people, we are all the same,” she said.
“It’s really about expanding learning around difference and tolerance.
“The earlier the children learn this, the easier it will be for them to do in the future.”
Ms Bell said the outdoor learning experience provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal way of life.
“The meeting space is such a great setting to do it in because it is a space that is created specifically for teaching Aboriginal culture,” she said.
“The children get a real feeling and understanding of Aboriginal culture being outside in nature.
“It is real life, it is interactive and it is important for children to get out of the classroom and learn about the significance of nature in Aboriginal culture.”
Student Sydnee Dunnicliff said she enjoyed learning about the use of historic indigenous artifacts.
“We learnt about the Aboriginal people doing the boomerang,” she said.
“I had my face painted and walked in the garden.
“I liked learning about the boomerang the best.”
