As part of our ongoing commitment to make Columba a cultural safe environment for all children and adults, this week are inviting Scott Ratham, a South Australian Artist, to visit our school and change the landscape of our school grounds for many years to come.

Scott heads the Rusted Tin Contemporary Aboriginal Arts company and Columba is very excited that he will be working with our students to complete two large murals within the school grounds. The murals/artwork will serve as a reminder for us, as a school community, to always devote ourselves to learning the truth about our past, and collaborate together towards reconciliation, by reminding us of our place in the long-standing history of this land. 

Below is an example of some of Scott's work in schools throughout Australia, and a link to an article in The Age, which featured his work and his passion for educating and supporting young Australians.

We are so thankful to the Parents and Friends for supporting and funding this initiative and we are all very hopeful that families can come and visit the school and see the work that will be a landmark not only for Columba, but the entire Bunyip community.

https://junctionjournalism.com/2020/12/11/chance-encounters-not-enough-indigenous-students-deserve-better/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-14/aboriginal-mural-artist-frustrated-with-schools/11600104

RECONCILIATION WEEK

MAY 27- JUNE 3

National Reconciliation Week begins on 27^th May 2023 and concludes on 3^rd June 2023.

The 27^th of May is the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which saw over 90% of Australians vote to amend the constitution to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be included in the census and to enable the Government to create laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Referendum raised expectations of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, following a          ten-year campaign.

The 3^rd of June is Mabo Day, which recognises the important contribution by Eddie Koiki Mabo in bringing forth a case that accepted the claim that Mer Island is home to the eight tribes of the Meriam people, being so for hundreds of years before the arrival of the British, nullifying the claim of terra nullius. This case gave rise to the Native Title Act 1993.