19 Feb 2017
Dorroughby EEC's Aboriginal Studies program is called ‘Garrima' (modern Bundjaling word for respect) and emphasizes the importance of the Widjabul / Wiyabul people (who are part of the broader Bundjalung Nation) as the traditional owners of the land at and near our centre. The Garrima program will use approved methods and content by the AECG and the Bundjalung Elders Council, to teach about the traditional lifestyles, connection to place, plants, tools, land uses and sustainability practices of the Widjabul / Wiyabul people.
On Wednesday 28th October 2015 a special celebration was held with Widjabul Elders, local teachers and local aboriginal students from The Ngulingah Campus (Southern Cross Distance Education Unit) to celebrate the completion of a traditional Aboriginal Gunyah (shelter) and the release of the new Aboriginal Studies program. The Gunyah and a welcome sign to the centre were completed by students in traditional Bundalung language with the assistance of local Aboriginal artist Digby Moran. A welcome to country was given by Uncle Charles and special guests included Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell and Director of Public Schools Peter Campbell. A feature of the ‘Garrima' program will be the Gunyah built by the Ngulingah students. Dorroughby EEC is authorized by the AECG and with permission from The Bundjalung Elders Council to teach this program.