I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri people.
This column is dedicated to those who have gone before us, to those present and to those who will follow us.
LAST week I took a group of Aboriginal men to Forest Hill Public School so we could plant an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden.
The madhu (many) plants that we installed into the garden had been propagated from bush seeds by these men.
They are then grown to a point where they can be reintroduced back into Ngurambang (country).
We planted Nardoo, Old Man Weed, Yam Daisy, River Mint and heaps more.
The yiradhu (day) was about old passing on knowledge to the young.
Just as we have done for thousands of years.
We spoke to the students about the plants that we had just put into the ground.
Many of these special plants are grown for medicine, healthy eating and for also making bread.
It was amazing to see the students really connect with what we told them about our culture.
They asked madhu (many) sensible questions about our culture and plant use.
Sometimes our young ones need to get their marra (hand) dirty to best learn lessons.
Classrooms do not have to always be inside.
Much learning can be brought about by actually connecting to our country – to be able to touch, feel and taste is how Aboriginal people have learnt for thousands of years.
We have tended this Ngurambang (country) with love and a deep connection to the garray (land).
In life to be able to know where you are going, you need to look back into the deep rich earth and see your footprints.
If you know where you have been, gives you a better chance of knowing where you are going.
Mandaang Guwu (thank you) Forest Hill Public School for being respectful and also for asking madhu (many) questions.
We connected as much as you did on that yiradhu (day).
For more learning and sharing go to my community facebook at www.facebook.com/WiradjuriMob.
- Mark Saddler
