Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc and Nari Nari Tribal Council facilitated a Caring for Country Day for year eight students at Hay War Memorial High School
The issue
Many Year 8 students feel disconnected and seek ways to contribute and feel like they belong in society. Year 8 Hay War Memorial High School Science Teacher Miss Fisher was inspired to offer her students a program to help them understand that they can achieve connectedness and play a role in protecting and honouring the land they live on. Caring for Country emphasises Indigenous knowledge systems and a holistic approach to land and resource management. Having an immersive Caring for Country Day teaches the children not only a broader cultural understanding but also respect for Indigenous history and traditions, fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity.
The solution
Nari Nari Tribal Council and Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc delivered a full day of informative presentations and engaging hands-on rotational activities. Following an initial Caring for Country Q&A session with Tribal Elder and members, the children rotated through the traditional activities of weaving, seed ball rolling and Indigenous tools. They also experienced the Didgeridoo playing several different sounds and discussed Indigenous music and dance as an important part of traditional culture. Kangaroo and emu meat were cooked on the bbq for lunch, and the children prepared and cooked their own Bush Tucker Johnny Cakes, which they ate with Bush Tucker preserves and Lemon Myrtle Tea. Their tea cups were reused to plant Old Man Saltbush seeds to take home with their Nari Nari gift bag.
The impact
The Caring for Country Day integrated science, geography, history and ethics, making it a rich, interdisciplinary hands-on experience. The children were able to immerse themselves in the activities and share in cultural understanding to foster real-world connections. At a time when students are often testing boundaries and independence, learning about Indigenous culture, sustainable practices, respect for nature and cultural acceptance will shape desirable values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.
