You are invited to participate in UNSW's Welcome to Country ceremony, delivered by Bidjigal Traditional Owners from the La Perouse community.
The ceremony will be the first event of O-Week and will include closing remarks from UNSW's new Vice Chancellor & President Professor Attila Brungs.
A Welcome to Country is a ceremony given by a local Aboriginal person of the country (usually an Elder) to acknowledge and give consent to events taking place on their traditional lands (Country). It is also a sign of respect and protocol which dates back to traditional times prior to the arrival of Europeans to Australia.
A Smoking Ceremony is an ancient continuing custom among Indigenous Australians that involves smouldering various native plants to produce smoke. The audience will be invited to walk through the smoke, as the smoke has cleansing and healing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.
MEET THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS:
Aunty Yvonne Simms -
Aunty Yvonne Simms is a Gweagal / Bidjigal Elder, a direct descendant through Cooman and Pemulwuy bloodline, through Queen Emma Waldran Lowndes and George Timbery.
Aunty is respected Elder and a Traditional Land Owner of the Bidjigal nation.
Uncle Glen Timbery -
Uncle Glen Timbery is a descendant of King George and Queen Emma Timbery, the last of Botany Bay Aboriginal tribe whose ancestors witnessed the arrival of Captain Cook and the first fleet. His family has lived in La Perouse for many generations.
Uncle continues practising his Aboriginal culture through crafting boomerangs and other traditional artefacts, along with passing down his knowledge to his family and community.
The Welcome to Country ceremony is delivered in partnership with UNSW's Office of Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous and Nura Gili; giving commencing and returning students and staff an opportunity to pay their respects to the traditional owners of the land and learn about Indigenous culture.
