Whadjuk Gift, a celebration of culture and connection
12 April 2024
A celebration of all things First Nations culture was the focus at the seventh Whadjuk Gift event, hosted by Mater Dei College on Wednesday, 27 March.
Whadjuk Noongar Mater Dei student Shanira Thompson said she enjoyed exploring and sharing her culture with those present.
“All the activities planned were cool, especially when we got to do face painting and gather around the fire for the smoking ceremony. Hearing
stories about the past and Indigenous people gave me a better understanding of my heritage. The day was a nice change from our usual classroom lessons. Contributing to the activities and events felt rewarding, and being part of the day was fun.” Over 500 students from 10 schools took part in this year’s event, including Eddystone Primary School, Edgewater Primary School, Kinross Primary School, Liwara Catholic Primary School, St Anthony’s School Wanneroo, St Elizabeth’s CPS Hocking, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary, St John Paul II Catholic Primary School, St Luke’s Catholic Primary, Woodvale and Whitford Catholic Primary School.
Among the guests were Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) Deputy Executive Director Annette Morey, Director – Leadership and Wellbeing, Dr Tony Curry, Team Leader – Aboriginal Education, Sandra Brogden, and Chief of Business Development Mike Kovacevic. Ray Smith, representing event sponsor UniSuper was also in attendance.
The event began with a Welcome to Country by Robin Collard, and a smoking ceremony relayed by her grandson, Tryse Rioli. This was followed by a series of activities, including a showcase of t-shirts designed by students representing 33 nations and a special appearance by College mascots, Wolly Whadjuk and Harvey Hawk.
A highlight was the Whadjuk Gift relay race which saw Pibelmen Nation and St John Paul II Catholic Primary School emerge victorious.
Mater Dei Principal, John Laurito commended all involved adding the event uses a tangible reconciliation model that fosters connections between school communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“An event like this lay’s seeds of positive change in Aboriginal education and provides school communities with the tools needed to develop meaningful reconciliation with Australia’s first peoples.
“It opens the door to authentic conversations and community engagement with Aboriginal Australia. The students have begun a process, a journey that is unique to this country, Whadjuk Country. It is an initiative, which engages and influences our school communities driving towards real recognition and reconciliation.”
