THE voices of Aboriginal people were heard at the Town of Bassendean’s annual Dandjoo Koorliny Reconciliation Gathering on Thursday.
The gathering, held at Mary Crescent Reserve in Eden Hill, celebrated this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Grounded in truth walk together with courage’.
About 300 students from Ashfield, Bassendean, Eden Hill, Lockridge and St Michael’s primary schools enjoyed performances and took part in language, storytelling and cooking workshops.
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Local resident Roy Lennox planted a Sorry Day tree with the help of students.
Following the tree planting, the Maar Koodjal Aboriginal Dance Group delivered a popular emu dance and Kiara College Girls Academy graced the audience with a graceful dance featuring leaves from native plants.
Aboriginal rapper Jaydan Ahmat rocked the stage with charismatic and inspiring tracks.
Ahmat completed his performance and flew off to Melbourne where he will rap at the MCG for the AFL’s Dreamtime at the ‘G game on Saturday.
Elder Allan Kickett, who opened the gathering with a Welcome to Country, urged students to open their hearts and come together with Aboriginal culture.
“Aboriginal culture is the oldest living culture in the world,” he said.
“In the old days, people lived harmoniously with each other and travelled across borders and territories where they shared their food, knowledge and tradition.
“This is the key of our living, which remains with us today.”
Mayor Renee McLennan said it was important for non-Aboriginal families to understand more about Aboriginal culture and history.
“When I was a kid, we didn’t get this opportunity, we learnt very little about our Aboriginal brothers and sisters,” she said.
“I am really pleased that you (students) all have this chance to learn more than I did.”
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