By Caroline Smith
Faith, fellowship and learning about Noongar culture and stories were the focus for younger members of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry at its inaugural Children’s Community Day.
Held on Wednesday 26 April at the ACM office in Perth, the event brought together some 30 families for activities including a ‘Culture Yarn’ with Noongar stories and music, a discussion on Catholic faith and fun activities
ACM’s new Youth and Children’s Officer, Aggie Pigram, said the contribution of Noongar leader Olman Walley, who led the ‘Culture Yarn’, was one of the highlights of the day.
“Olman told a couple of Dreamtime stories about teaching the children about helping one another, and how the red kangaroo got its colour,” she said.
“He also taught the children the different sounds of animals which he played through the didgeridoo, and taught the children how to impersonate animals through dance.
“His nephews, who refer to themselves as ‘The Doorum Dancers’ helped tell the stories through actions and dancing, which encouraged the children to join in too.”
In addition to learning about Noongar culture, children were encouraged to find out more about the Catholic faith and its place within Aboriginal communities, during the ‘Faith Yarn’, led by ACM leaders.
“We discussed the Our Father and what the verses mean. We also discussed Easter and why we have chocolate Easter eggs,” Ms Pigram said.
“Throughout the session of faith sharing we split into three groups: one group was in the arts and crafts section where the children decorated and created crosses. The second group was in the kitchen where children got to make their own chocolate Easter eggs. In the third group, the children got to make their own rosary beads using the colours of the Aboriginal Flag.
“There were also prayer rocks that children had the chance to decorate throughout the day and glue them to a prayer card for them to take home.”
While this was the first time the ACM had held such an event for children, Ms Pigram said there were plans for it be repeated every school holiday period from now on, adding that engaging with young people was a growing focus for the Ministry.
“We hold several other community day events to support cultural learning for young people, and also work to connect people through school,” she said.
“In my new role I am excited about engaging children and young people in their faith and culture.”