Read about the Canteen and Red Earth Deerubbin (Hawkesbury) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Immersion Program
Canteen and Red Earth recently collaborated to facilitate a cultural immersion where a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people were invited to spend time on the beautiful Deerubbin (Hawkesbury River) in Dharug Country. Over two wonderful days they learned about and connected with Country, guided by First Nations Culture Facilitator, Uncle Graham.
Seven young people joined us on the program, each bonded by a shared experience of cancer, whether through their own diagnosis, or that of their family, kin or community.
Canteen’s cultural immersion programs are designed to provide young people with a break from everyday life, where they can connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people like them in a culturally safe environment, and access therapeutic, culturally responsive support to cope and thrive in spite of the challenges that cancer brings.
The young people engaged in a range of cultural activities, including participating in opening and closing smoking ceremonies, yarning circles, and reflections by the fire. They took part in bush tucker and bush medicine walks, connected with local flora and fauna, enjoyed river swims, and created individual art pieces. They also listened to beautiful violin and didgeridoo music and visited a sacred site, where they observed 5000-year-old rock carvings depicting stories linked to sky country, spirit, and creator stories.
It was a moving experience to witness new connections unfold among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from all over Australia – many who were meeting for the first time – and see them warmly embrace the variety of cultural activities offered by Uncle Graham.
Beyond the rich itinerary of activities, young people also enjoyed quietly absorbing the peace of their surrounds - whether swimming in the river or creating personal artworks on its banks - a kind reminder of the healing power of land and culture, and the strength that emerges when young people feel comfortable in spaces that honour their heritage.
The team at Canteen extend a heartfelt thank you to Uncle Graham and Red Earth for hosting and co-facilitating this incredible program.
