By Tanya Steele
The hopes, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were celebrated nationwide Friday 4 August.
Healesville Libary and Oonah united to bring a beautiful culture filled storytime and craft session to the Healesville Library to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
Lea Jones, staff facilitator and playgroup coordinator at Oonah said it was a great opportunity to celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the community.
“It is a great turnout and we have bought along some goodies for the kids as well,” she said.
Nikki Madgewick, a Proud Worimi Biripi woman, along with others read a few stories to the children, some of which were written by Elder Aunty Dot.
Proud Wurundjeri woman, Kayla Wandincollins also led the kids in language to a few songs when kids began to get the wriggles during storytime.
“It’s very important for us to learn the local language,” Ms Jones said.
“We incorporate culture into our experiences and Kayla’s been really good. She teaches a lot of songs and language at our playgroup,” she said.
The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’ and over 40 families came together for stories, songs, crafts and snacks.
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) Chairperson Muriel Bamblet said this year’s theme emphasised the importance of, listening to children’s aspirations, hopes and dreams.
“Our call for the future is for our children to be proud of their heritage, be empowered and strengthened by their culture to speak their truth, to have a say on matters important to them and in the decisions that impact their lives,” she said.
Rose Herring, the Healesville Children’s Services officer said the kids really enjoyed the music.
I couldn’t quite keep up for the Woi wurrung version of heads, shoulders, knees and toes,” she said.
Ms Herring said the library and Oonah have been planning for the day since the beginning of the year and were very pleased by the huge turnout of children and families.
“We really want the library to be an inclusive and welcoming place for all,” she said.
(SNAICC) CEO Catherine Liddle said the growing popularity of National Aboriginal and Islanders Children’s Day demonstrated the importance families and educators place on including cultural perspectives in early years education and care.
“It’s wonderful to see so many early years centres, schools and children’s services embracing the chance to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the central role it plays in the lives of our children,” Ms Liddle said.
The morning tea served up a fusion of lemon myrtle scones, vegemite sandwiches and an assortment of fruit that disappeared rapidly.
Many of the young crafters were too focused on their work to make time to eat, instead finishing up their platypus and fish animal creations.
“The culture of this area and the country that we’re working on is such a beautiful place and it is incredible to learn about it,” Ms Herring said.
Oonah will also display creative art pieces from their youth group along with some artefacts in the Healesville Libary display cabinet for the month of August.
