South Coast NRM and Oyster Harbour Catchment Group recently supported a Cultural awareness and Landcare session with the Great Southern Home Education network through the Noongar Kaartdijin (knowledge) program.
Home Education families had the opportunity to learn the value and importance of the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps from Cultural educators Vernice Gillies and Larry Blight of Kurrah Mia Cultural Tours.
Students were fascinated with the history and engineering details of the fish traps which would have supported large gatherings of Aboriginal groups coming together from hundreds of kilometres. The group was lucky to spot a sting-ray’s wings as it was swimming slowing along the shoreline.
There were plenty of opportunities to capture imaginations with bush foods from the area and learning about local Aboriginal medicinal plants guided by Mrs Gillies and Larry’s incredible knowledge and expertise.
Bruce Radys and Sarah Drummond from Oyster Harbour Catchment Group joined in the event, showing students the importance of catchment management to the health of Oyster Harbour. Students gained great perspective of landcare with the games and demonstrations which Bruce and Sayah provided with their scale catchment model.
Families learnt how Caring for Country links with caring for Oyster Harbour Fish traps and Oyster Harbour catchment, providing a connection to our environment and Cultural heritage. The group finished the event sharing morning tea with the guest presenters, joining the tradition of the site as a meeting place.
The Noongar Kaartdijin (knowledge) program is supported by funding from the State Natural Resource Management Program and Commonwealth Bank to extend In-school Cultural awareness throughout the region. For more information contact Natalie Reeves, Noongar Kaartdijin Project Officer on natalier@southcoastnrm.com.au