On Country Network Days - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker (AIEW) and Catholic Aboriginal Leadership Team (CALT)

Earlier this term our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker (AIEW) network had the opportunity to gather on Country at Wurrumiyanga (Bathurst Island). 

The AIEW network were welcomed to Wurrumiyanga by CALT members from both Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School and Xavier Catholic College. We were treated to a tour around the island, including of the iconic old church that is featured in Top End Wedding. Our tour guides Stacey Parker, Albert Tipungwuti and Francis Kapijiyi Orsto taught us about the history of the island, including the role of the Tiwis in the Bombing of Darwin, and how the Tiwi people are still using traditional practices, including the fish traps that are visible from the front beach. 

We learnt some key Tiwi phrases, so next time the AIEWs meet someone from Tiwi they will surely greet them in language!

The Xavier kitchen staff ensured we were well fed with some delicious kangaroo stew for lunch, then in the afternoon the AIEWs were able to get involved with the different classes at each of the schools, finishing the day down at the beach with MCPS celebrating Indigenous Children’s Day with the kids getting painted up to perform singing and yoyi (dancing). Thanks for having us Tiwi! 

This term the Catholic Aboriginal Leadership Team (CALT) came together for their two day network gathering, with the first day being held at Nauiyu (Daly River). After a delayed start to the day we were welcomed to Country with a water blessing down at the crossing by CALT members Loretta and Melanie. We then started our tour around the community and visited some very special places, including the widely read about location referred to in Dadirri by Miriam-Rose Baumann. 

We shared a lovely meal of kangaroo tail, damper and burgers prepared by the senior girls and amazing St Francis Xaiver kitchen staff, before getting the chance to visit some classes and see the students at work. 

This trip was an important part of the faith formation and spirituality journey of CALT and we extend our deepest thanks to the St Francis Xavier school community for welcoming us with open arms. 

The following day we were back at the CEO in Berrimah, meeting with our Director, Council Chair, Deputy Director of Teaching & Learning, Inclusion Support Clinicians, and not to forget Bishop Charles! It was a jam-packed 2 days and we look forward to bringing those learnings and discussions back to our schools and wider communities.