Yarn Bark - Aboriginal Cultural Immersion Experiences

Indigenous

Yarn Bark - Aboriginal Cultural Immersion Experiences

Overview

Ages

Locations

Introduction

Yarn Bark provide a range of cultural experiences that can be utilised to tailor and develop an immersive experience that aligns to your school’s expectations and visions towards what is most beneficial for the learning and development of students involved.

Yarn Bark recommend a half – day experience (approx. 4 hours) as the minimum amount of time to create meaningful impact and alternatively are willing to work along side schools in range of capacities a towards their journeys of reconciliation and embracing of First Nations Peoples and Culture.

The below activities can be delivered as a cultural experience on campus or within your school residential camp programs.

Part One – Acknowledgement of Country, Ancestors & Traditions

Personal Introduction and Cultural Story & Journeys of Yarn Bark Facilitators.
Didgeridoo, Clap Stick and Language song – Reflection and grounding activity.
Discussion around the significance of acknowledging / caring for the country in which you live.
Gum leaf smoking / cleansing ceremony – Education around different leaves provided.
Students learn language song & story “Dull Dull Durydmun” (waking up the earth).
Students learn how to introduce themselves in Peek Wurrung language.
Camp Fire Yarns & Damper cooking – Tailored to each group & desired outcome.

Part Two – Traditional Games, Competitions & Activities

Introduction to various traditional games and competitions - Utilised as group ice breakers, team building activities and development of group norms.
Introduction to Marngrook and how it is played.
Traditional Fire Starting.
Boomerang and spear throwing.

Part Three – Wayapa Wuurrk

An Earth Connection Wellness Practice based on Aboriginal wisdom that combines earth mindfulness, narrative meditation and physical movement to create holistic wellbeing & sustainability.
Suitable for all ages and levels of education.
Teaches the importance of Earth, Mind, Body and Spirit well-being.
Supports in establishing a healthy relationship with the Earth through connecting to 14 fundamental elements.
Immersive, engaging and experiential practice with cultural stories and overlay adapted.

Part Four – Storytelling (Tradition Dance, Song & Significance of Place)

Dream time and creation stories.
Significance of place, family, friends and life activities in traditional Aboriginal society - Group break of session and student share back.
Different forms of storytelling - Art, Song, Dance.
Students learn the Gunditjmara Keerray Wurrung gum leaf dance and animal spirit.
Educational bush walks & connecting to country.

Part Five – Arts & Craft

Show case of artefact's crafted by Yarn Bark and discussion around purpose and process of crafting for each.
Students learn Aboriginal Art Symbols and meaning.
Students paint their own specific story on artefacts provided by Yarn Bark to keep and take home.
Traditional Craft – Students craft their own artefact from start to finish.

Part Six – Traditional Aboriginal Values & Ways of Life.

Benefit of living as a village – sustainability through working together (Wayapa video)
Students reflect on the values of respect, responsibility, accountability and connection and how they represent them in their own life.
Sophistication of traditional Aboriginal society and examples of Aboriginal entrepreneurship.