HILLS recently invested in gearing up for reconciliation week, officially held from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June. As part of the lead-up to the event, the Indigenous Culture Unit hosted a "Yarn Up Circle," offering students the chance to engage in discussions and activities cantered on reconciliation. This year's theme is "Be the Voice for the Generation."

The Yarn Circle started with a warm welcome to country, followed by an introduction and a discussion about reconciliation. The students were then given a chance to select a yarn circle card that held a special meaning supporting reconciliation. Each student learned a First Nations language word and drew a symbol card that complemented their selected word.

The session was an enriching experience for all students who came together to understand that it is their power, their words, and their actions that can help create a more just, equitable, and reconciled Australia for all.

In addition to the Yarn Up Circle, HILLS' ATSI students also invited Year 4 Hanley to participate in a "Bush Tucker Experience." During this activity, the students shared their cultural knowledge and understanding of Bush Tucker plants found in the garden in our nature space. The students learned about the many uses of these plants, including as a food source, medicine, and for ceremonial purposes.

HILLS' week of discovery provided a respectful platform for students to learn, share, and engage with First Nations culture and perspectives.