Aboriginal children in care are connecting with family, community and culture through a series of Cultural Connections Days, hosted by the Department of Communities’ Fremantle District and Imagined Futures, which is one of the District Leadership Groups.
Held during the school holidays within the Cities of Fremantle, Melville and Cockburn, the events are named after Noongar seasons, with the Djeran Cultural Connection Day held during the April school holidays, Makuru in July and Kambarang in October.
The Djeran Cultural Connection Day was the first event for 2024, bringing together 58 children, their families, carers and District staff and external service providers.
The events aim to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to spend time connecting with each other and building cultural awareness while supporting them, their carers and families.
Children have fun with art, dance and cultural games and are immersed in cultural activities they would otherwise have limited opportunities to enjoy. Since the first events in 2023, Cultural Connections Day have grown significantly and are now a highlight for children and families alike.
A huge thanks to the Stephen Michael Foundation, which facilitates cultural games, Neami National for leading fun activities and providing a carer and toddler space, photographer Alan McDonald for capturing the day and taking family portraits, Uncle Gerrard Shaw who performed the Welcome to Country and Tim Kelly and his son who shared Dreamtime stories and got everyone dancing.
Above images taken at the Djeran Cultural Connections Day.
Images credit: Alan McDonald.
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