5 Immersive programs FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS
All our programs are conducted over a full school day or spread across several days, with engaging 40 - 60 minute sessions each.
In addition to the whole school assembly, comprising an Acknowledgement of Country, Paint up, and Cleansing Ceremony, students and teachers will actively participate in a Paint up during the sessions.
Nura
Dabura
Naminma
Baya
DHARUNGA
How it works
Depending on the needs and size of your school, all of our programs are run across a full school day or several days. We begin each program with a whole school assembly, which includes an Acknowledgement of Country, paint up and Sweeping ceremony.
Acknowledgement of Country
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During the assembly, we perform an Acknowledgement of Country with students, demonstrating our profound respect for the Traditional land on which we teach and students learn. This formal recognition honors the Traditional Custodians of the land, past, and present. Following the Acknowledgement of Country, we invite all Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and representative students to join in a Paint Up, followed by a Sweeping Ceremony. These significant rituals play a crucial role in nurturing cultural connection and fostering unity and respect within the school community.
Paint Up
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In Aboriginal culture, body paint holds profound cultural importance, serving as a creative outlet for various aspects of life. It symbolises social status, familial groups, spirituality, geography, and cultural rituals, playing a central role in dance and storytelling. Our traditional paint, Ochre, derived from natural clay, offers a diverse range of colors, each signifying its specific use. White Ochre, utilized in schools, represents a community color. In our programs, all students get the chance to be painted up on their faces, connecting them with the rich traditions of Aboriginal art and expression.
Sweeping Ceremony
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A Sweeping Ceremony is a traditional cleansing ritual that purifies the body from negative energy and welcomes positive energy. During this sacred ceremony, traditional music accompanies the participants as they are gently swept down using eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus trees and leaves hold deep cultural significance as bush medicine, traditionally used to treat various ailments like cuts, burns, sores, fevers, breathing difficulties, and diarrhea.
The remarkable properties of eucalyptus leaves extend to their ability to absorb water. In the Sweeping Ceremony, these leaves are utilized not only for their healing properties but also to absorb negative energy, leaving the participants cleansed and refreshed. This profound practice honors the wisdom of traditional healing methods, instilling a sense of harmony and well-being within the school community.
Program Commencement
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Upon the assembly's conclusion, your chosen program will begin, and all teachers will receive detailed information about it. Our programs are carefully crafted to align with the NSW Education Standards Authority, ensuring they meet the curriculum outcomes for stages K-6. To enhance the program's integration into the school's curriculum, teachers will be equipped with additional resources. These supplementary materials are designed to engage students in further lessons, enriching their comprehension of the program's content. Our aim is to empower teachers with valuable tools, fostering a holistic learning experience that nurtures academic and cultural growth for every student involved.
Nura
Country (Dharug)
Our Nura - Country program offers an enriching learning experience for students and teachers alike, centered on exploring the local Aboriginal history of the Country where your school is situated. This comprehensive program encompasses various highlights, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture. Through engaging experiences, students also learn about different language groups and gain insights into the art of deep listening, known as Dadirri.
One of the program's exciting aspects is the opportunity for the school community to participate in a collaborative painting that celebrates Country, community, and the core values of the school. From discovering local foods and resources to honoring significant people and sites, our Nura - Country program offers a transformative journey of cultural exploration.
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"Country": An Integral Connection for First Nations Peoples
For First Nations peoples, "Country" encompasses the lands, waters, and skies to which they hold ancestral ties and family origins. Understanding the Country on which we live and work is the initial step in connecting to its history, knowledge, and people. Beyond being a physical place, Country represents a profound relationship.
Observing and listening to Country are vital aspects of this relationship, providing valuable lessons about the past, present, and future. By honoring and engaging with Country, we embrace a deeper understanding of its significance in shaping the lives of Indigenous communities.
For further details or to inquire about our Nura - Country Primary School Program, kindly contact us.
NAMINMA
Show (Dharug)
Ignite your students' senses and boost retention with our Naminma program, designed to engage through visual, auditory and tactile experiences. Delve into the world of various artefacts, tools, and weapons, and embark on an enriching journey of discovery.
Highlights of the program include hands-on exploration, allowing students to handle artefacts while learning about their craftsmanship, purpose, and cultural significance. A dynamic question and answer session further challenges students' knowledge, promoting active learning and critical thinking.
Additionally, the program features a collaborative school community painting, celebrating Country, community, and the core values of your school.
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Artefacts hold profound cultural significance for Aboriginal people, representing a tangible connection to their ancestral heritage and traditional way of life. These objects, carefully crafted by skilled artisans, encompass a diverse range of items, including tools, weapons, ceremonial objects, and art. Each artefact carries unique stories, passed down through generations, recounting the rich history, spirituality, and wisdom of Aboriginal communities. These artefacts were used in various aspects of daily life, from hunting and gathering to performing sacred rituals and ceremonies.
Today, these relics serve as valuable educational tools, allowing Aboriginal communities to preserve and share their cultural knowledge with younger generations, while also inspiring curiosity and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds. By studying and interacting with these artefacts, we gain insight into the profound connection between Aboriginal people and their land, affirming the enduring importance of cultural heritage and fostering a deeper appreciation for Australia's First Nations peoples.
For further details or to inquire about our Naminma - Show Primary School Program, kindly contact us.
Dabura
Paint (Dharug)
In the captivating Dabura-Paint program, students embark on a journey of exploration into the world of Aboriginal art. Delve into diverse art styles and learn the profound art of storytelling through the lens of ancient traditions.
Aboriginal art symbols are patterns that illustrate stories of the Dreamtime- the creation period of Aboriginal culture. Armed with this newfound knowledge, students will embark on the exciting task of crafting their own individual story stone paintings using Aboriginal art symbols. These artworks serve as captivating canvases, allowing each student to artistically express their unique personal stories and experiences.
By exploring Aboriginal art in the Dabura-Paint program, students not only refine their artistic skills but also forge a profound connection with Indigenous culture and history. Finalising the program a dynamic question and answer session will further deepen students' understanding, fostering a dialogue of learning and appreciation.
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Aboriginal art holds immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, serving as a powerful medium for storytelling and preserving the rich traditions of Australia's First Nations peoples. This unique art form is deeply connected to Dreamtime stories, ancestral knowledge, and sacred sites, reflecting the deep spiritual connection Aboriginal communities have with their land. Each artwork carries layers of meaning, passed down through generations, symbolising cultural identity, tribal lore, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Through intricate dot paintings, vibrant symbols, and expressive designs, Aboriginal art communicates the stories of creation, the natural world, and the Dreaming, inspiring a profound sense of awe and respect for the ancient wisdom and enduring heritage of Aboriginal cultures.
Beyond its cultural value, Aboriginal art also serves as a bridge of understanding, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to appreciate and celebrate the rich and diverse tapestry of Australia's First Nations cultures.
For more information about our Dabura-Paint Primary School Program, kindly contact us.
Baya
Talk (Dharug)
In our Baya-Talk program, we create a safe space where every student has the chance to be heard and valued. After learning about Yarning circles, their purpose, rules, and protocols, each student will have the opportunity to speak without interruption.
This unique program fosters deep listening skills, encourages the sharing of knowledge, and establishes rules that promote respectful behaviour. Through open dialogue and mutual respect, students develop essential communication skills while embracing the diversity of voices within their community. The Baya-Talk program empowers students to express themselves confidently and builds a culture of understanding and empathy, enriching their educational experience and personal growth.
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Yarning circles hold great significance among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as community gatherings where experiences, knowledge, and stories are shared. This central point of connection fosters deep and sincere communication, with participants speaking and listening to each other from the heart. Active listening is a key element in yarning circles, promoting genuine engagement and understanding.
These circles play a critical role in building respectful relationships, where participants interact with honesty, trustworthiness, and responsibility. By embracing the tradition of yarning circles, communities strengthen their bonds and create a nurturing environment for open and meaningful dialogue. Through this age-old practice, the wisdom and values of generations are passed down, enriching the cultural fabric and ensuring a sense of belonging and unity for all.
For further details or to inquire about our Baya - Talk Primary School Program, kindly contact us.
DHARUNGA
Dharunga (Dharug)
Our Dharunga program offers students a powerful connection to Aboriginal culture through the art of dance. In this program, students will explore Aboriginal dance and learn a specially choreographed routine.
The dance is set to a song created and sung by Isaac Bamblett, a Bundjalung and Wiradjuri man. Performed in the Wiradjuri language, the song is a tribute to the red gum trees, asking them to guide, protect, and cleanse us as we deepen our understanding of the Country we are on or visiting.
Throughout the program, students will connect with Country, culture, and spirit, with a whole-school performance at the completion of their journey that embodies the values and lessons learned.
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Aboriginal dance is a fundamental aspect of cultural expression for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It serves as a powerful way to share stories, traditions, and connections to Country. Each dance tells a story, often reflecting the natural world and spiritual beliefs, with movements inspired by animals, the land, and the elements.
Dance is not just an art form but a means of preserving cultural heritage, passing down knowledge, and fostering a sense of identity and community. Through participation in dance, individuals and communities strengthen their bonds, celebrate their culture, and connect deeply with their ancestors and the land.
For further details or to inquire about our Dharunga Aboriginal Dance Primary School Program, kindly contact us.
TAILORED Programs
For your Schools Needs
At Djalgala, we understand that each school may have unique requirements and aspirations. That's why we offer tailored programs to meet your school's specific needs, ensuring a seamless integration of Aboriginal perspectives across the key learning areas in the NSW curriculum.
Our team is dedicated to collaborating with you to create specialised cultural immersion programs that align with your school's goals and values. By incorporating Aboriginal perspectives throughout various subjects, we aim to enrich the educational experience for students and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture.
If you are interested in exploring how our tailored programs can complement your school's curriculum and provide a meaningful cultural experience for your students, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Together, we can shape a program that embraces diversity, celebrates heritage, and fosters a greater sense of cultural connection within your school community. Contact us today to start this transformative journey.
Ceremonies
Ceremonies hold a significant place in the spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions of Aboriginal communities. These sacred rituals have been performed for countless generations, each unique and deeply rooted in the specific Aboriginal Country where they take place.
The 'Sweeping Ceremony' is a profound cleansing ritual that purifies spaces and individuals. At Djalgala, we honor the importance of this ceremony by incorporating it into all our programs and offering it for events. Conducted by a First Nations person in traditional attire, the Sweeping Ceremony carries a profound cultural significance.
Before commencing the ceremony, we begin with an 'Acknowledgement of Country,' a customary protocol that shows respect and gratitude to the Traditional Custodians of the land. This practice is followed in schools, businesses, and events to acknowledge the significance of the land on which we stand.
We are committed to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal traditions with genuine respect and appreciation. Get in touch with our team today to embark on this cultural immersion experience.
CONTACT US
We are looking forward to connecting with you.
Contact our team for more information or to book our Primany School Programs, for your Sydney-based school. We're dedicated to providing transformative and culturally enriching experiences for students and teachers. Let's embark on this impactful journey together. Contact us today!