Members of the Community Foundation and the Mirboo North and District Reconciliation Network gathered recently for a powerful evening of cultural awareness and storytelling led by Aunty Sandra Patten and Aunty Marianne Atkinson, respected Elders of the Gunaikurnai people and members of the Elders Council of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).
Smoking Ceremony and Shared Storytelling
The evening began with a traditional smoking ceremony at the western end of Baromi Park, creating a space for respect and connection. Back at Co-Space Aunty Sandra and Aunty Marianne spoke about the various purposes of a smoking ceremony in different contexts, before going on to share the story of the Gunaikurnai people, traditional owners of much of Gippsland.
They also spoke about the long journey to becoming the recognised as traditional owners, completed through a consent determination in the Federal Court of Australia. This was a determination that the Gunaikurnai people held ‘native title’, that is, rights to lands and waters across Gippsland that comes from their traditional laws and customs.
Building Understanding and Walking Together
Aunty Sandra brought these traditional customs and her profound connections to her Country and her people to life though telling the story of her own life and those of her ancestors.
Through their personal stories, they conveyed not only the depth and longevity of their connection to Country but also their ongoing cultural strength and the different areas that this involves.
Aunty Sandra had travelled from Lakes Entrance and she told the group that she volunteered to give these sessions to build understanding. She hoped that in each session there was at least one ‘wow’ moment.
Participants were deeply moved by the openness, generosity, and lifelong commitment of the Elders to sharing culture and educating others.
“As an organisation committed to reconciliation, we wanted to expand our knowledge about the Gunaikurnai people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Mirboo North lies, as well as a good part of our district,” explained Rob Kiddell, Chair of the Community Foundation. “Not only were the speakers inspirational, they provided much food for thought on the role of non-indigenous folk in how to support and walk alongside our traditional owners on a road to reconciliation.”
This special evening offered a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and strengthen understanding of the rich cultural heritage that has shaped this land for tens of thousands of years. To find out more about the Mirboo North & District Reconciliation Network, you can call Gayle on 0436 418 857.