Connection to culture with the aim to empower our participants /

In a first of its kind initiative, the Canberra Raiders region recently organised a Connection to Culture Day aimed at empowering School to Work participants by fostering a deeper connection to their Indigenous heritage. The event, held in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the National Museum of Australia, marked a significant milestone in the region's commitment to supporting its youth in their cultural journey.

The day began at AIATSIS with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Ngunnawal Elder Bradley Bell. Participants then took a visit to the National Museum of Australia, where they immersed themselves in the rich history and heritage of Australia's First Nations Peoples. Walking through the Gallery of the First Nations exhibit, they were provided with insight into the diverse cultures and traditions that have shaped Australia for thousands of years. 

Following the museum visit, participants engaged in a workshop at AIATSIS, delving into the origins of their own Indigenous family histories. Led by experts from the team at AIATSIS, the workshop provided a platform for students to uncover historical family information, including photos and documents that are unavailable to the public.

Damon Knight, Canberra Raiders Project Officer, emphasized the significance of the event in providing students with an opportunity to deepen their cultural understanding.

The purpose of the event today was to provide an opportunity for our school to work students across Canberra and Goulburn to connect further with culture and learn a little bit more about themselves and their family history.

Damon Knight Canberra Raiders School to Work Project Officer

Maddi Warren, a school to work participant, shared her personal experience

My Indigenous culture is really just who I am and it's who my family is. It really shapes my morals and just how I look at life.

Maddi Warren School to Work Participant

For Maddi and many others, the event served as a catalyst for self-discovery and a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage.

Jeremy Margosis, a supporter of the NRL School to Work Program, praised the initiative for its impact on students.

It's a fantastic day today; the students get to connect with their culture. They also get to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Canberra that they may not have met before, and obviously, it gives them a chance to do some research and find out some of that family history that they may have not known about.

Jeremy Margosis Aboriginal Education Officer at St Mary Mackillop College

The day's activities not only facilitated cultural connection but also fostered a sense of community among participants. As they embarked on their cultural journey together, bonds were formed with one another, strengthening their collective identity and pride.

In reflecting on the event, Damon Knight expressed hope for its lasting impact. With hope that the students learnt a bit more about themselves and that the workshop equipped them with resources to further their own development.