Stepping into spotlight

By Carrie-Lee, Year 12, Cairns State High School

OUR school has many proud indigenous students and the main goal for our cultural day was to showcase our cultures on the school grounds.

Performances by the school’s very own Torres Strait Islander dance group and music in practice class on the day provided a range of songs and dances.

Students had the opportunity to contribute to the painting of the banner, which symbolised harmony.

There was also a sausage sizzle provided by the Clontarf Academy which helped to raise funds for our indigenous leaders of tomorrow program to assist our students plan an even bigger NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day next year.

With the support of our school principal Chris Zilm, community education counsellor Sophie Oui and business manager Tanya Hastings, the team of future indigenous leaders completed the set-up of barbecues and the painting of the banner.

There was also great work done by Tobias Fatnowna, who has been teaching students some dances.

Mr Fatnowna is connected to one of the islands and has permission to teach the dances specific to that island.

He has also sought permission to teach dances from a few other islands.

The dedicated students who joined the group and practised every morning (first and second lunch) were fantastic.

Mr Fatnowna’s family have supported our quest to create the dance group by giving permission for different dances to be used, providing instruments and weaving skirts. Mr Fatnowna also assisted Lucy Auer and Karen Spannagle with the sewing of the calico and printing of the shirts.

The day was a huge success and the final product was absolutely worth all the preparation, and it was so inspiring to see young men and women performing traditional dances and songs in front of their peers and have fun while showcasing their heritage.