By KATRINA BRANDON
COLLECTING leaves and releasing what was in their hearts, Mirboo North residents gathered for Reconciliation Week at Baromi Park last week.
Around 500 people gathered at the ceremony, with the local primary school, high school, and kindergarten all present, sharing the experience with other residents.
Organised by the Mirboo North and District Reconciliation Network, the event was led by Yarram’s Raymond Young, who shared what the week celebrates, what the smoking ceremony means, and other cultural practices.
Mr Young started proceedings alongside his son, Joana (five-years-old), and Jacob Mobourne standing by him.
“I can really feel a beautiful spirit here as I look around,” Mr Young said as he welcomed everyone.
“It’s great, it’s a beautiful world to be able to walk up to somebody, have a beautiful conversation, shake that person’s hand, and start something beautiful as reconciliation.
“It’s about getting out there and understanding other people’s culture, food to culture, culture music, sports are a beautiful culture. There are so many beautiful cultures out there, so it’s okay to feel free, to be yourself, to believe what you believe, and to express that to your friends, your family, and your community.”
Talking about leadership and having a voice, Mr Young shared the importance of mentors, before building up the fire for the smoking ceremony. He used leaves as examples of growth in the community.
Photographs: Katrina Brandon
Before coating themselves in the smoke, Mr Young asked each attendee to think of a question or something close to their hearts and spirits, allowing the smoke to cleanse them.
While waiting for the smoke to build up, he highlighted the growth in the local community, in the green environment that surrounded them.
According to Mr Young, in Aboriginal history, traditional fires showcased the importance of a slow smoke.
“We have a way and method that allows the country to burn nicely and includes a small fire, which allows the regeneration of not just plant life but insect life,” he said.
Following the fire theme, he asked everyone to think about what kind of fire they want in their hearts and spirits, whether it was a raging fire for sport or a slow-burning fire that helps them get through the day.
After the smoking ceremony, school leaders at Mirboo North shared what Reconciliation Week meant to them.
Mirboo North Primary School captains Jackson and Ava, and secondary school captain Fletcher spoke of bridging gaps between different cultures and societies.
Local Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo woman Hollie Johnson was also present.
Ms Johnson has just completed 20 days of placement at Mirboo North Secondary College, and recently took part in a piece called Gunnai Dreaming, in collaboration with Lavalla Catholic College.
Gunnai Dreaming shares the story of the Gunaikurnai people and shares the story of Borun the Pelican on a path to meet Tuk the Musk Duck, who becomes the mother of all of the Gunnai people.
Sharing Aboriginal culture, Ms Johnson invited Kurnai College’s Deadly Culture Dance Group up on stage to share some of the dances from their elders.
Joining in the spiritual feeling of the event, local Gilbert Douglas, who was also in charge of the sound for the day, put music on afterwards, inviting students to sing and dance, making them feel relaxed and ready to head back to school.
Mirboo North Secondary College Assistant Principal, Melissa Neill, thanked the Mirboo North and District Reconciliation Network for organising the day’s event.
