Eight students travelled to Point Pearce on the Yorke Peninsula recently to learn more about the Aboriginal community, its culture and history.
Students deepened their cultural connections and understanding of Aboriginal history and language groups during a camp in Week 2 of this term.
Aboriginal secondary education transition officer Jarika Kropinyeri said it was an initiative of BRSC Aboriginal girls group Sista Girls.
The group was formed to empower and inspire young girls through culture, connection, and shared experiences.
It supports mental health and social and emotional wellbeing by creating a space where girls can embrace their identity, learn through cultural exchange, build meaningful relationships, celebrate diversity, and grow in confidence, resilience, and leadership.
The students met in Term 1 for a planning session around cultural, mental health and social and emotional learning opportunities.
They decided to visit one of the Aboriginal missions or reserves established in South Australia and chose Point Pearce, on the Yorke Peninsula.
Historical tour and yarning circle
Ms Kropinyeri said the camp gave students the opportunity to connect with the cultural heritage of people from the Nharrangga Banggara (also referred to as Narungga Country) community.
“We did a historical tour around Point Pearce, learning about the hall, the school, the mission in general, the plantation, the war memorial,” she said.
“We had a yarning circle afterwards about the significance of Nharrangga people.
“The girls were really engaged with what the elders were saying, they got a lot out of hearing about their language, the cultural practices like the weaving and keeping that alive.”
Student has chance to ‘meet her own mob’
Ms Kropinyeri said it was rewarding to see students deepen their understanding of their own cultural heritage.
“We had one girl meet two people from her mob so it was exciting for her to know exactly who she was and that was lovely to witness,” she said.
“For a first trip I feel like it was really successful and it’s something we can develop – in the future it would be great to be able to include more students both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.”
Connecting with local students and Dreamtime story
Year 11 student Peyton said a highlight of the trip was meeting students from Point Pearce Primary School, educator and mentor Tshara Rigney and a lantern show on the Wallaroo foreshore about Nharrangga Dreaming story Winda the Owl.
“What I took home from the trip was learning about Nharrangga Culture and history, and I want to go back again or learn about other missions around South Australia,” Peyton said.
Year 12 student Danika also appreciated learning about the history, including a walking tour around Point Pearce and yarning with Nharrangga Elders Uncle Rex Angie and Uncle Lyle Sansbury.
“I liked learning about other mobs and their communities and would like to have our Sista Girls Group learn about mine, Raukkan.”
Year 10 student April said a highlight was meeting local primary school students and playing games with them.
“I loved the connecting to Nharrangga Banggara (country), the lantern show Winda the Owl and I want to learn more about Aboriginal communities as well as my own.”
Year 9 students Mia, Annaka and Bridie said they loved connecting with other girls and making friendships, and enjoyed their beachfront accommodation.
“Meeting other community members and having yarns with them about who we are and where we were from some knew us or a families,” they said.
