July 12, 2021This week marks NAIDOC Week, an annual event that acknowledges the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Narrun Wilip-Giin (Aboriginal Support Unit), have kindly gifted Aboriginal designed children’s colouring books, supported by Northern Health Foundation, to all children in the Northern Hospital Epping Children’s Ward.
The book’s artwork has been created by Gary Saunders, a proud Bangerang, Yorta Yorta, Wiradjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung man.
In the book is a selection of animals, birds and symbols that are important to Aboriginal people, such as the Kangaroo. The Kangaroo is of cultural and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people across Australia. Their meat has been a source of protein over the centuries and their pelts were used for clothing, rugs, warmth and often crafted into water bags, for carrying water from water holes and rivers.
The environment is important to Aboriginal people and culture. Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer, said, “caring for country is also necessary for the health of the land”.
Toni Gabelish, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, said the children were excited to receive the colouring book.
“Seeing the look on those beautiful little faces receiving such a simple, yet lovely gift is very rewarding,” she said.
Northern Health acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which Northern Health’s campuses are built, the Wurundjeri people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Featured image: Narrun Wilip-Giin (Aboriginal Support Unit) with Courtney Lowry (far left), Nurse Unit Manager, Children’s Ward and nurses.
