Eighteen students from Spinifex State College Junior Campus recently conducted their first Indigenous Leadership Development meeting, opening with a traditional Kalkatungu (Kalkadoon) greeting.
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Students choose Ngawa as their team name, which is a Kalkadoon term meaning strong.
Spinifex teacher and program organiser Jodie Lobegeiger said Ngawa is a fitting name for this program which is aimed at building strength in culture, community and leadership qualities.
"The goal of the program is for students to gain an insight into the past, present and future of Indigenous culture," Mrs Lobegeiger said.
"During the course of this program students will learn about the Kalkadoon language, history and social issues.
"They will analyse common symbols used in traditional rock art and produce their own artwork that will combine traditional and contemporary designs," she said.
Within the program students choose an Indigenous organisation to raise funds for from within the community.
"These funds will be raised via a silent auction, where students auction their artwork. They will also volunteer their time at an organisation in need.
Ngawa team members also have the task of arranging and running NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day parades and events while working as a team.
Students will be able to understand the importance of becoming positive role models within their communities and discover how their contribution to society can make a difference.
- Jodie Lobegeiger
They will share Kalkatungu language and knowledge with the school community and help others to understand Mount Isa's rich indigenous history.
Mrs Lobegeiger said with this knowledge students will be able to understand the importance of becoming positive role models within their communities and discover how their contribution to society can make a difference.
"Upon completion successful participants will be issued with a certificate of achievement confirming the skills they have gained. This document will contribute towards their resume, which will support them within today's competitive employment market.
Student Samuel Kumsing said young adults will be able to connect with their culture a lot more and we are being taught the importance of being proud of our Aboriginal ancestry.
"I am taking the role of being the next Indigenous leaders of our community very seriously," Mr Kumsing said.
Maxwell Brennan said the new program will be culturally enriching.
"I already know more about Mount Isa and Kalkadoon culture than I did before.
"I didn't realise that - Kabalulumana - was the name of the Kalkadoon man that helped John Campbell Miles find minerals in Mount Isa. That's the name of the hostel my mum used to work at," he said.
Tremayne Gemmell said he feels the program will positively inform the younger Indigenous generation of the importance of taking care of their Aboriginal identity.
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