In October 2019, Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Des from the local Logan community worked with staff from Anglicare’s Logan Children and Families office to plan and perform a traditional Naming Ceremony. This was for two of the office’s meeting rooms.
Uncle Des undertook a detailed process to determine which Yuggera language names should be bestowed upon the new rooms.
This involved an initial questioning period in which Uncle Des inspected the rooms while gathering an understanding of:
- what they would be used for;
- what people would do there; what kinds of people would use the rooms; and
- how they would enter them.
After deciding on the best words to describe these functions, the training and management room was given the name Jakoba (meaning all together, everything has been said that can be said, exchange of information). The meeting room positioned first upon entering the building was named Wungin Yari (come speak).
The naming was accompanied by a smoking ceremony and a lunch of traditional bush tucker including kangaroo, crocodile and emu. Aboriginal Elders, families and children were all invited. For many of the staff, this was their first experience of a traditional Aboriginal ceremony. This created a great sense of excitement on the day and all staff were eager to contribute in some way.
Staff found their experience working with Uncle Des both enjoyable and enlightening. The local service manager for Children and Families in Logan said that the experience increased cultural awareness amongst staff.
Anglicare acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first Australians. To learn more about how we’re supporting First Nations People or provide suggestions, please visit the First Nations page on our website.
Originally written by Emily McLean, Reconciling Histories intern.