HOLY SPIRIT’S BUSH TUCKER GARDEN

Holy Spirit Primary School in Nicholls recently opened its Bush Tucker Garden. This project is a combined effort between the school and the Rotary Club of Gungahlin, Rotary Club of Hall, Rotaract Club of the University of Canberra and Greening Australia.

As part of the school’s Aboriginal Education Strategic Plan, the intention was to make key improvements to indigenous cultural understandings. The focus was on deepening the understanding of cultural significance of the land to the Ngunnawal people, and the interdependence of the environment, the land, water, flora and fauna.

Once planning was finalised between the participating groups, Greening Australia spent time with our students teaching them about native plants, food sources and the seasonal migration of the Ngunnawal people. The students were able to eat a variety of plants and food sources, and even made bush tea.

The students were taught about how the Ngunnawal clans traditionally travelled across their lands according to seasonal food sources, trade partnerships with neighbouring nations and to conduct ceremonies to honour their relationship with the land and creator spirits. Students were introduced to the notion that caring for the environment is the basis for much of traditional Ngunnawal life. This involves a strong relationship between people and the land based on respect, obligation and interdependence, and an intimate knowledge of the land. Importantly, students were encouraged to continue this legacy.

The recent opening involved students, staff, our Parish Priest Fr Mark Croker, Ngunnawal elder Wally Bell and representatives from our community partnerships. Ngunnawal elder, Wally Bell performed welcome to country and a cleansing ceremony involving our indigenous students, which was a highlight of the event. Prayer, scripture and song filled the event and our community is proud to have this facility in our school.