Plaque is a note for tradition
Plaque is a note for tradition
July 30, 2008
Section: News
LAUREN DOWNS – on work experience
Dubbed Auntie Denise by the students of Minnamurra Public School, Denise Freeman unveiled a plaque last term recognising the traditional custodians of the land.
Helped by Koori students from the school and other members of the Minnamurra Aboriginal community, Auntie Denise unveiled the plaque to pay respect to the traditional owners of the land and to elders past and present.
Auntie Denise, of the Arrente people, has a rich knowledge of the local indigenous culture. She has become involved with the school to help students learn about the culture and understand the importance of reconciliation.
At the unveiling she spoke of her father-in-law, Harold Freeman, who was born at Bombo in 1920.
“He (Harold Freeman) set me a task to return to Kiama and make things right for his people. Today he would be so proud,” Auntie Denise said.
“This is a major event and to have our people acknowledged in this way is a huge step for reconciliation in Kiama and Minnamurra.”
The plaque was unveiled as part of National NAIDOC week (July 6-13), which celebrates in July each year the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The week aims to build bridges between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
The plaque at the school’s main entry reads: Minnamurra Public School is built on Dharawal Country, land of the Eloura people and the Dharawal Tribe. We acknowledge the traditional custodians and pay respect to Elders both past and present. Welcome to our school.
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Just read article on Minnamurra the land here is under the Wodi-Wodi people the tradtional owners we spoke a variant of the Dharawal laungage