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ACU celebrates Indigenous Literacy Day

More than 150 primary, secondary, and university students gathered at ACU’s Strathfield campus to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day.

From storytelling and knowledge sharing to author talks, STEM projects, book swaps and performances, students marked the day with a range of fun activities.

Children from Doonside Public School, Marayong South Public School and the Jarara Cultural Centre joined ACU students from the School of Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the event, which is now in its third year at the campus.

ACU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) Kelly Humphrey said celebrating Indigenous literature was an important way to recognise and preserve First Nations stories.

“The theme for this year’s Indigenous Literacy Day is Strength in our Stories: For Now and Future Generations and this is exactly what’s in action at this event,” the proud Gomeroi woman said.

Event organiser and School of Education Associate Lecturer Jennifer Asha described the day as beneficial for all involved.

“It’s just wonderful to see the little faces of the kids and hearing them say, ‘Wow’ when seeing themselves in literature and hearing their languages used. It’s an important aspect of reconciliation,” she said.

“For ACU students and pre-service teachers particularly, it’s an authentic way to see in practice what is part of a curriculum mandate. Incorporating First Nations literature in the classroom is a meaningful way to acknowledge Indigenous perspectives.”

The day included an address by Mrs Humphrey, a Welcome to Country by Land Council representative Shane Laws, and an activity by STEM lecturer Dr Sara Taouk using recycled materials to construct and test fish traps.

Children enjoyed a Big Read Aloud where they responded to literature written and illustrated by First Nations artists in an activity designed to share learning and culture through storytelling and the use of symbols.

Attendees learned about the process of illustrating a book with Indigenous illustrator writer, animator and mixed media artist Dub Leffler and received some of his books to add to their school libraries.

The Great Book Swap was also held on site to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Mrs Asha, a former Doonside Public School teacher, said the event aimed to empower Indigenous children to aim for bright futures.

“Having the event on campus shows Indigenous children that they belong at university, they belong in higher education. It helps them to know that there are people valuing them being and learning here,” she said.

“I’m hoping the little ones will also look to these Indigenous authors and illustrators as role models in publishing and think, ‘I belong in publishing, my story matters’.”

In addition to the schools, artists, and ACU students involved, participating ACU staff also included Away from Base (AFB) coordinator and Indigenous Perspectives lecturer Chris Duncan, Dr Nicki Brake, Dr Rachel Perry, Annette Turney, Dr Katarina Tuinamuana, Ben Weir, and Indigenous Higher Education Unit Yalbalinga staff members, Ingrid Nasslander and Shelley Copeland.

ACU Widening Participation staff Shannon Vincent and Victoria Hayman, Debbie Keen, Peony, Yuvraj, library advisor Frances Liston, Dr Jenny McMullan, Clare Clendinning, Ursuline Sisters interns, and Jarara Cultural Centre staff including Lyndal Simmons and her Junior Rangers, and AFB students Taliesha and Mikayla Councillor were also key supporters at the event.

Mrs Humphrey paid tribute to those involved in planning the celebrations.

“I would like to thank Jennifer Asha for her leadership and thank the team of people Jennifer has worked with to deliver this event. There is no better reward than the excitement and engagement from the children,” Mrs Humphrey said.

“We know the power of literacy in unlocking life’s opportunities, and everyone involved in this event wins at every level.”