BUSH TUCKER GARDEN AND YARNING CIRCLE LAUNCHED AT KARRATHA PRIMARY

The Karratha Primary school launched the Wanggawara Ngurra and Garra Jabaja (Yarning Circle and Bush Tucker garden) today in front of Ngarluma Traditional Ownes, government officials, staff, and students.

Principal Annalyn Navarrete says she wanted to celebrate NAIDOC and the local culture with this unique project and is grateful to the sponsors who made it happen.

“With NAIDOC day and out of respect for our Ngarluma culture, and the fact that yarning circles have been used for thousands of years, we really wanted to celebrate our local culture.”

Ms Navarrete said the idea was established in 2021 for a Bush Tucker garden to be built and then a Yarning Circle and fire pit were added to the project.

“The Ngarluma cultrure is so rich. It’s a thread that runs through our school. We value diversity and inclusivity and its also about bringing all cultures together and celebrating what each and every one of us has to offer.”

Aboriginal Islander Education Officer, Sarah Cattermole, said she can see the Yarning circle and Bush Tucker Garden helping the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel a sense of belonging and identity.

“I’m excited to see it be used as an outdoor learning environment for the whole shcool and a place for meetings with parents and community.

Year 6 student Preston Park says the new garden gives the opportunity for more people to yarn in a safe and free space.

“I think it means a connection to culture and also a free space. To me, NAIDOC means family, culture and people and important connections and bringing more people together”