Years 1 & 2 Cultural Excursion
Students in Years 1 & 2 enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a day excursion on Country with Uncle Hank in Deloraine and Mole Creek. Prior to the day, students reviewed and discussed digital resources on The Orb, including a digital tour of kooparoona niara with Uncle Hank explaining a variety of bush tucker, the construction of a temporary shelter and the use and significance of ochre in ceremonies. Kooparoona niara is the Aboriginal name given to the Great Western Tiers and means Mountains of the Spirits. Students also explored a range of picture books to deepen their understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use science in their daily lives. A specific focus was on the use of the Earth’s natural resources and how these resources are conserved.
Uncle Hank guided students along the kooparoona niara Cultural Trail in Deloraine. Students were very interested in locating symbols along the path and listened attentively as Uncle Hank shared stories of his childhood and of his Elders. The Cultural Trail showcased a range of native plantings, bush tucker and many statues/symbols, each conveying their own meaning. At the end of the Cultural Trail, Uncle Hank seated us at the stone yarning circle around the fire pit. He explained the significance of the symbols covering the fire pit and discussed the Tasmanian’s Nine Nations.
After a snack and a play at the Deloraine Train Park, we were welcomed by Uncle Hank to his home where we were invited to share in a traditional smoking ceremony. Students carefully placed gum leaves on the fire and listened as Uncle Hank explained the cleansing nature of the smoke billowing around us. Many students chose to sample bush pepper straight from the shrub and tasted the delicious damper that Uncle Hank had prepared for us. Students engaged respectfully in listening to Uncle Hank play the didgeridoo, received ochre onto their bodies, and examined a range of animal skins as Uncle Hank explained traditional hunting methods. Many students were intrigued about Uncle Hank’s explanation of how to use animal droppings as clues for more effective hunting. All students thoroughly enjoyed trying their hand at throwing waddies and attempting to throw spears with the support of Mr Atkins. Many even hit the target!
It was a privilege to have been invited to share in Uncle Hank’s culture at his home. We look forward to learning more from Uncle Hank about how important Mother Nature is to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
