Charlotte Varcoe
CHILDREN at the Mount Gambier Children’s Centre have been introduced to the Boandik culture through an eight-week program.
Boandik elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr attended the childcare centre where she discussed and taught the children history behind the local Indigenous culture.
Children were involved in a number of activities including campfires, storytelling, songs and language appreciation.
Centre director Pauline Bosco said the children also learnt the traditional way the Boandik people would live.
“We all learnt so much, especially the children as they also learnt about how the Boandik people traditionally cared for babies, including placing a baby on possum skin to provide comfort,” Ms Bosco said.
Ms Bosco said the students absorbed the information so well that one of the children adopted the baby dolls provided and wrapped it up in the same manner.
“The children were obviously highly engaged in what they had learnt through the workshops with Aunty Michelle and transferred this into their play,” she said.
“They were also deeply engaged with the Dreaming Time stories and learning some of the traditional Bungandij language for wildlife and greetings.
“We were amazed at how much they took onboard and how much they absorbed throughout the program.”
Following the program, the children’s learning journey was them implemented into a mural which was on display in the centre.
The mural showcased stories told by the children through traditional symbols and pictures of their learning.
“It is so important that we have the opportunity to share with children at an early age to allow them to understand and appreciate the rich culture of Indigenous people and the strong connection to country,” Ms Bosco said.
“It supports the children to notice and appreciate significant local landscapes, such as WarWar (the Blue Lake) and how that relates to the Boandik people.”
