Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Children and Families team took a group about 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous carers, children and staff to see the 2018 Bangarra Dance Theatre production of Dark Emu. As part of the Gympie and Sunshine Coast Foster and Kinship Carer First Nations Cultural Support Program.
The production was based on an interpretation of Dark Emu: Black Seeds. A book written by Bruce Pascoe that presents Australians with another perspective of life in this country. It focuses on Aboriginal people’s relationship to land, water and each other.
The outing was a great opportunity for children and their carers to participate in an activity recognising their identity and cultural history. It was also an important opportunity for non-Indigenous carers to understand the impact of being involved in the cultural heritage of young people. Especially in terms of their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
The performance seemed to resonate with many children, who were able to experience a contemporary expression of their culture.
Some of the carers later reflected on the themes of the performance, including the impact of European values and their farming practices and how this affected the connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had with the land.
The trip was prompted by community consultation which highlighted an ongoing need to provide carers with opportunities to expand their cultural awareness, understanding and relationship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Developing First Nations cultural awareness is an ongoing journey and challenge that we will keep walking together to achieve. To learn more about the significance of cultural awareness for our carers and the children in their care, check out this article.
