Celebrations showcase the |diversity of Aboriginal culture

The Merriwa Primary School students left their marks on a ground artwork created by Yanchep District High School’s Aboriginal and Islander education officer Judith Birchall on July 31.

‘The sand art or ground art is often used in corroboree as a stage to perform dance,’ she said.

‘Every child put their signature handprint onto the artwork.’

Merriwa principal Sue Waterhouse said the school’s Naidoc celebrations were coordinated by their AIEO Wes Sibosado, who demonstrated boomerang-throwing and presented a history of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions in 1963.

They also learnt about traditional dancing from TV presenter Lee West, tasted bush tucker and participated in traditional sports.

‘The day was a wonderful opportunity for the Merriwa students to learn about Aboriginal culture through the arts, sport, history and community participation,’ Mrs Waterhouse said.