Year 1/2 Connolly Primary School students taking part in the Urban Indigenous workshops.
Camera IconYear 1/2 Connolly Primary School students taking part in the Urban Indigenous workshops. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Students get hands on with Aboriginal culture

Lauren PedenJoondalup Times

The school, which is taking part in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs' 2015 PALS Program, received funding to go towards "A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That" presented by Urban Indigenous.

The show helped the children develop an awareness of the importance of music, dance and story in Aboriginal culture and the process of passing on traditions to the next generation.

They were able to try out a kangaroo wrap, listen to and speak Nyungar words, make and dance to music, create dot paintings, have their faces painted like possums using natural ochre paint and try some bush tucker cake.

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Year 1/2 teacher Pat Fong said the children were eager to write an letter to their parents explaining what they had learnt.

"We are grateful to PALS for receiving funding for this project. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to make connections and explore the iconography of Aboriginal culture as part of the Australian curriculum," she said.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier said the PALS program provided a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn more about the unique Aboriginal culture.

"The continuing success of the PALS program demonstrates the willingness of young people to embrace reconciliation and cultural awareness," he said.

For more about the PALS program, visit daa.wa.gov.au