The event was hosted by TAFE NSW Corowa and Uncle Dozer Atkinson in conjunction with NSW Parks and Wildlife on Tuesday, July 19.
The walk involved visiting an old scar tree where knowledge was shared about the Aboriginal people who removed bark from trees to make canoes, containers and shields and to build temporary shelters.
NSW TAFE Aboriginal Education and Engagement Coordinator Tyrell Ingram said the cultural walk was a great opportunity to share information about Corowa’s rich history.
“My role is to engage the community and identify opportunities for Aboriginal courses for the local Aboriginal community,” Tyrell told The Free Press.
“The cultural walk helped show the community what wonderful cultural heritage sights we have with Uncle Dozer Atkinson, a Bangerang man, sharing his knowledge
“Those who attended really appreciated what they learnt, and many were unaware of these fantastic areas that we have right here in Corowa.
“It was a great day. Everyone left feeling inspired and with more knowledge about Aboriginal culture.
My aim now is that all people regardless of whether they are Indigenous or not, feel empowered by these sites and Aboriginal history. We need to come along on this journey and make sure we have an understanding of the places we are living in.”
Tyrell said it was pleasing to see more people acknowledge and the traditional owners of the land.
“The wider community is really becoming curious about Aboriginal history and with the NAIDOC theme, Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up, we want to galvanise the momentum for Aboriginal affairs and advancement in our communities,” he said.
“It was really good to see the people who came along on the cultural walk were really interested and supportive.”
NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) occurs annually in July, and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme 'Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up', aims to amplify First Nation voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
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