St Mary’s Boyup Brook is participating in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs 2015 Partnership, Acceptance, Learning, Sharing (PALS) Program.
St Mary’s has received PALS funding to undertake a unique reconciliation project that aims to teach students more about Aboriginal culture. PALS, an initiative of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, encourages young Western Australian school students to develop projects that promote reconciliation in their local community.
Recently, St Mary’s were fortunate to experience the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company that was touring in this area. They engaged the students from the start, drawing them into the story, teaching the students the Noongar names of the animals and inviting participation throughout the stories. Students giggled and screamed as the story unfolded. The performers danced their way through the story, highlighting the flaws of each character and revealing a strong message.
“The Yirra Yaakin performers were a wonderful surprise for the students, performing the dreamtime stories from the Noongar culture with passion, energy and humour. The students loved it and it was an opportunity to learn about the creation stories of Noongar culture here in the South West,” Principal Cathryn Voak said.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier said the PALS program provided a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn more about Aboriginal culture.
“The continuing success of the PALS program demonstrates the willingness of young people to embrace reconciliation and cultural awareness,” he said.
“The program allows non-Aboriginal students to learn more about our Aboriginal culture in an engaging way, and creates an opportunity for our Aboriginal students to be proud of their culture and history.
“I congratulate all of the 367 schools involved in 2015 for their willingness to participate and for their contribution to ongoing reconciliation efforts,” Mr Collier said.