Indigenous students excursion to TMAG

On Friday 10 March 2017, 26 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Dominic College participated in a Cultural Program held at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Named tunapri rrala (meaning strong knowledge), this program celebrated the creativity and resilience of the Tasmanian Aboriginal women who have passed the tradition of shell stringing from one generation to the next.

Ranging from Kindergarten to Year 10, our diverse range of students boarded the bus to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery where we were greeted by our host Teangi Brown, the Aboriginal Learning Facilitator at TMAG.

Teangi spoke to us about Tasmanian Aboriginal history, particularly the practice of shell-stringing and how it had changed over time. After looking at some of the materials traditionally used in shell-stringing, we visited the Tasmanian Aboriginal shell necklace exhibition kanalaritja: An Unbroken String, and marveled at both the old and new necklaces on display.

Our students participated in special hands-on activities including designing patterns using natural materials.

‘I liked the museum and making the necklaces’ – Matilda

‘I liked making necklaces’ – Ashleigh

It was wonderful to see the delight in which older students assisted our younger students with these tasks.

After lunch together, we returned back to school, to share our wonderful learning experience with our classmates.

Mr Michael Voss – Indigenous Coordinator K-10