St Joseph’ Regional College Indigenous Education Worker, Nicholas Ratliff, and teacher of Catholic Studies, Brigitte Rieger, recently had the privilege of participating in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) 3-day Connecting to Country program, hosted by Indigenous Elders and leaders, Uncle Bill, Aunty Linda and Jamie Donovan.

Day 1 highlights included an immersion into the ‘8 Ways Thinking’ Aboriginal pedagogical model and listening to the courageous personal accounts of Elders whose families continue to be negatively affected by government policies and entrenched societal attitudes.

Day 2 was particularly impactful and enlightening as participants went ‘On Country’, visiting significant places to learn of the importance of country, culture and truth-telling for the Birpai people.

Day 3 offered the opportunity to further explore first-hand aspects of traditional Aboriginal culture, including the Gathang language; storytelling through dance and music; traditional tool making; weaving; and the ‘sharing circle’.

Thanks to the generous open hearts, expertise and wisdom of the Birpai community presenters, all participants left indelibly transformed by the opportunity to deepen their understanding and respect for Australia’s indigenous people as members of the earth’s oldest continuous surviving culture.