In Principio v16 no2 (2005)

COLLEGE OF J ARTS ABORIGINAL STUDIES AT NOTRE DAME Students enrolled in the Aboriginal People unit offered by the College of Arts, took part in producing Aboriginal art last semester as one of the many activities offered in the unit. The session was run by Dalena Howard and her daughter Amanda Levett. Ms Howard is a former employee of Link Up in Geraldton. Link Up is an organisation that locates and reunites families who were separated as part of the Stolen Generation. In 2003 Link Up held a healing conference and art therapy was recognised as an important way for Aboriginal people to heal from painful experiences. Ms Howard believes that non– Aboriginal people can also benefit from art therapy when it comes to dealing with some of the more confronting aspects of Australia's history. Ms Howard explained to the students that the river rock painting project was part of a healing project for members of the Stolen Generation and Ms Levett worked with the students in creating Aboriginal designs. Aboriginal studies lecturer Michelle Carey said that the students were fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to learn from Dalena and Amanda. "Students benefit from taking time out to think about these issues, and art is a creative and meditative way of focusing their thoughts," she said Aboriginal People is a foundation unit for Aboriginal Studies and is run as part of the University's commitment to reconciliation. Throughout the semester students were also introduced to guest lecturers who spoke on a variety of issues including Aboriginal identity and culture; the Stolen Generation, Aboriginal self– determination and collaboration between Aboriginal and non– Aboriginal people. The unit aims t o broaden students' general knowledge of Aboriginal culture and history; promote awareness of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations in Australia; increase students' professional skills; and enhance their capacities to contribute to their respective communities. Students were taught about the diversity of Aborigina l people Ms Carey said, "This challenges the colonial understanding that Aboriginal people are a homogenous group." Study Abroad students from the USA also had an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal people. Those who studied The Cu ltural and Spiritual Life of Aboriginal People went on a unique outback adventure to Kalgoorlie last semester for a first-hand experience of Aboriginal culture. Students were personally guided by Aboriginal Elder Geoffrey Stokes, who introduced students t o his Wongatha cu lture. The students camped in Mr Stokes' fathers' country at Mt Celia where he welcomed them to his country. They also visited a significant site and the Mt Margaret Aboriginal Community, where students also had the opportunity to meet with the community manager and local school children. Ms Carey said, "We are gratefu l for the generosity shown to us by Mr Stokes. The experience was a huge learning curve, and this was because he shared so much of his knowledge with us." Ms Carey sa id even though this was a pilot trip its success has set a solid foundation to build upon. "We wanted the students to go beyond the city and be part of a real cultural exchange. Students had to survive in the outback for five days, they had to learn how to ration water and deal wit h not being able to have a shower. Although western food was available, traditional bush tucker was also on the menu including damper, kangaroo, emu, goanna and witchett y grubs, " she said . Apart from learning about Aboriginal cultu re, the experience tested the students about their personal and cultural boundaries," she said. Ms Carey concluded, "We hope that the Study Abroad students not only learn about the complexity of Australia's history and contemporary society, but can take t hose lessons back and begin to think through their own relations with America's First Nations peoples. " and multiculturalism that exist s in Aboriginal communities. ------.~ --------- II