Weaving indigenous wisdom into education
Yiramalay Studio School's recent Bunuba Induction showcased a blend of Indigenous wisdom and Western education. Staff established core values, toured the school, participated in a smoking ceremony and delved into Bunuba history. Together, these two days encapsulated the journey of discovery and connection at Yiramalay Studio School, reminding us of the importance of honouring Indigenous heritage and fostering cultural understanding as we continue to shape a learning environment embedded in indigenous learning and culture.
Following in the footsteps of our people
Our Deputy Principal Alison opened the day by acknowledging the Bunuba people as the Traditional Owners of Yiramalay, emphasising that education here is not divorced from the land it inhabits, but rooted deeply within it. She then introduced the theme for 2024, "Following in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors", showcasing the importance of community, interpersonal connections, and understanding — setting the tone for collaborative learning and growth.
Staff then participated in a training session centred around the FISH philosophy, a training that inspires individuals to choose the kind of workplace they desire. The central four ideas are: "play", "be there", "make their day", and "choose your attitude".
In small groups, each member identified and shared their individual values. Through introspection and discussion, staff distilled these values into four core principles that resonated with the entire team — Flexibility, Honesty/Integrity, Respect, and Communication. Yiramalay values
- Respect encompasses cultural understanding, teamwork, mindful communication, shared space maintenance, punctuality, self-care, role modelling, and treating others with honesty as you'd like to be treated.
- Honesty and integrity involves being genuine, reliable, consistently giving 100%, creating a safe space for questions and honest conversations, leading by example, and being vulnerable by expressing emotions and owning up to the truth.
- Communication includes active listening, clear expression of opinions, concise instructions, seeking support, and adapting communication to account for language differences and pace, incorporating non-verbal cues.
- Flexibility means compromising plans to benefit others, embracing change with a positive mindset, and being accountable for how you respond to unexpected changes.
To finish off the day, Bunuba Traditional Owner Kaylene Marr welcomed new and old staff to Yiramalay and emphasised the significance of Yiramalay in educating Indigenous youth. She led a smoking ceremony that symbolises healing and marks the continuation of a significant journey for both staff and the Bunuba people.
Connecting with Bunuba
Day 2 began with our Principal Adele's warm welcome and acknowledgment of Bunuba country, setting the stage for a day of shared learning and reflection.
The morning was spent hearing stories and history from Bunuba, led by Kaylene, Alonzo, and Lizara; it was a powerful testament to the richness of Indigenous heritage. These narratives and our Bunuba elders play a vital role in the Yiramalay story, contributing to our shared understanding of the land we live and learn on.
Following this, Tanya challenged us to delve deeper into the history of Fitzroy Crossing through the book Raparapa, and an article by Joe Ross. These readings helped provide additional valuable insights into the cultural landscape of the region, enriching our communities' understanding of the land they teach on.
As the day drew to a close, staff had the opportunity to connect with the land through a swim at Catjabet, followed by a unique cultural experience – helping out with a Killer. This hands-on activity provided a glimpse into traditional practices while fostering a deeper appreciation of the knowledge and skills of many of the local people.The staff meeting at Yiramalay Studio School was a transformative journey of discovery and connection. It reminded us of the importance of honouring Indigenous heritage, fostering cultural understanding, and prioritising safety in all our endeavours. As we continue our work, let us carry forward the lessons learned and strive to create a learning environment that celebrates diversity and respects tradition.