Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe COMMUNITY REPORT 2018 A Photography by Children’s Ground staff and families © All photographs, filming and recordings of Arrernte people and country is owned by Arrernte people and used by Children’s Ground with their permission. Painting ‘The Children’s Ground’ by Rod Moss, 2018 Contents Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is the Arrernte translation for Children’s Ground. This is the name we use for 03 From our Director: MK Turner Children’s Ground in Central Australia. Mparntwe is the Arrernte word for the area in and around Alice Springs. 04 Ingkerrekele Arntarnte-areme | Everyone Being Responsible (Governance) 05 Anwerne-kenhe Angkentye, Iterrentye | Our Principles 07 From our Chairperson: William Tilmouth 08 From our Directors: The Story So Far 10 Ampe Mape Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe | Children’s Ground Children 2018 12 Ampe Akweke Mape-kenhe Ayeye | Children’s Stories 18 Akaltye-irreme Unte Mwerre Anetyeke | Learning and Wellbeing 20 Anwerne Ingkerreke Apurte Urrkapeme | Working Side by Side 22 Arrernte-kenhe Angkentye | Arrernte Curriculum 23–29 Akaltye-irreme Apmerele | Learning on Country 30 Tyerrtye Mwerre Anetyeke | Health and Wellbeing 32 Mwerrentye Warrke Irretyeke | Economic Development and Wellbeing 36 Arne Mpwaretyeke, Mwantyele Antirrkwetyke | Creative Development and Wellbeing 42 Tyerrtye Areye Mwerre Anetyeke | Community Development and Wellbeing 44 Ayeye Anwerne-kenhe ileme | Sharing Our Story 46 Anwerne ingkerreke Apurte Irretyeke | Reconciliation Week 2018: We All Get Together 50 Ampe Anwernekenhe Rlterrke Ingkerre Atnyenetyeke | Keeping All Our Children Strong 51 Kele Mwerre | Thank you 52 Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Staff 2018
1 “Anwerne Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe-nge warrke mwerre anthurre mpwareke year- nhengenge. Utnenge atyenhe nhenhe ikwerele aneme. Anwerne-kenhe iwerele aneme. Anwerne-kenhe iwerrele arratye anetyeke. Iwerre anwerneke-nhenge akaltye- irreme. Anwerne ingkerreke apurte warrke-irretyeke. Iwerre anyentele alhetyeke.”
We’ve been going really well at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe this year. I love it here. This is where my heart is. We are doing it our way.This is where the wheels are turning around. We will stay on this straight road. We are recognising the pathway forward and learning from where we’ve been. We all work together and walk together on the same track. MK Turner OAM, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Director
2 2 3 Everyone Being Responsible: Governance Our Principles
Ingkerrekele Arntarnte-areme Anwerne-kenhe Angkentye, Iterrentye
Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is held and led Ingkerrekele Arntarnte-areme are Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe grew out of the Iwenheke apeke unte Tyerrtye ingkerrenyekenge Arne mpwaretyeke arrurle by a group of strong, passionate governing, designing, delivering same vision and passion of families arle mpwarewarretyarte First Nations people – young and old. and evaluating our work at Ampe- who started Akeyulerre (the Arrernte lyernpenye unte anthetyeke urrkapetyeke Expect the best and deliver the best. Work with everyone. We all want to make a change in our kenhe Ahelhe. We work closely Healing Centre) from the grassroots. ante nthakenhe arle lyete This is what our kids and families deserve. It is our aim to work with every child and lives for a better future for our children with the Children’s Ground Board As our key partners, we share arne mpwarewarreme arteke family in our communities. If all families and families. which oversees the financial viability, governance with them and regularly Always think about old ways and are supported and included, this will corporate governance, strategy and hold dual governance meetings. new ways of doing things. Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is directed by Akweke anthurre mapenge strengthen the whole community. integrity. We govern from the local Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe and Akeyulerre You have to know your history to us – the community, the families, the urrke arne mpwaremele level and make recommendations to are walking together on the same go forward – so we never forget the people. Our Governance structure is urrkapetyeke them. As First Nations people, we are journey to create a new future for old ways – but we integrate new determined by Arrernte kinship. We Start early with the little ones. Mwarrentye arle the ones that have the solutions for Arrernte families. knowledge to make sure we are follow the leadership and guidance This is when their brains are arne mpwareme our families and communities. Jane delivering the very best. of our Elders while supporting the Over the last few decades many developing, so good health and renhe tnaketyeke Vadiveloo (CEO) and the Board listen younger generation to come up Arrernte Elders and community wellbeing is so important. If we start Use and celebrate people’s ability. to us and help us make decisions too. - behind us and find their voices. leaders in Mparntwe, some of whom early we have the best chance for We celebrate people’s abilities and Anwenehe Ampe Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe works across have now passed on, have dedicated getting our kids on the right track. their capacity to contribute, whether kenhe Ahelhele iwerre We come together weekly for four sites in Central Australia: their lives to their people and culture. they are artists, translators, authors, arratye alhetyeke Ingkerrekele Arntarnte-areme Irrkerlantye (Whitegate Town Camp The work we now do at Ampe-kenhe healers, teachers or advisors. There is akwete community-ele arlke Governance meetings. We are the Akweke itnekenge akwete East of Mparntwe), Yarrenyty Arltere Ahelhe and Akeyulerre honours the a wealth of talent and knowledge in decision makers at Ampe-kenhe apentetyeke (Larapinta Valley Town Camp in vision, talent and passion of these anetyeke itnenhenhe our communities. We see the ability in Ahelhe, so it’s important to listen - We are led by the children, Mparntwe), Mpweringke Anapipe strong leaders. amangkelhe ilenhemele people, not the deficits. to each other and our community. their families and community. (North of Mparntwe) and Ewyenper Stay with the children and grow It’s a powerful message that we’re At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, First Nations We are the directors, designers, Atwatye (Hidden Valley Town Camp with them until they are big. speaking. It’s healthy for all of us to people are designing, delivering and Arne ingkerrenyeke deliverers and evaluators. in Mparntwe). Families who live in It will take 25 years to see the get that strong message out there. evaluating a learning and wellbeing Ewyenper Atwatye integrate into the changes we want to make. We anyentelhe iletyeke: We are trying to inspire the younger system that empowers us to make Irrkerlantye and Mpweringke Anapipe want to follow the children we are tyerretye ngwenhe Ingkerrenyeke apmerenye generation to be leaders like us. decisions, rather than suffer prescribed groups for Early Years activities. Local working with now every step of the mwerre anetyeke, akaltye apurte-irreme apmerenge solutions imposed by others. To help us governance for each site sits within the way and make sure they have every irremele, tyerrtye ngwenge Whole of community in community. do this and to guide us in our work we families who are responsible for that opportunity made available to them. artweye mapenge We are delivering where people live, follow these 9 principles: country. Each country is represented Connect everything – education, building upon the social, cultural on the Governance Committe. health, culture, identity, economic and economic capital for the whole wellbeing. They are all connected, community. in the way that Aboriginal lore and society is connected. 4 5 Message from our Chairperson
William Tilmouth
Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is not just Historically, governments have failed a system: it’s a way of life. Our First Nations peoples. The resistance “Our kids don’t need to principles are deeply rooted in giving starts with empowering and directly be fixed. Our kids need the community agency in their lives involving communities in sustainable in a world that has rendered them solutions and creating partnerships. to grow up as Aboriginal powerless. Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe gives We must stop being complicit in children with rights and the community control; it gives them implementing programs that are not options, rather than suffering the opportunities, with a voice designed to eradicate the problems prescribed solutions handed out by on the ground. We cannot and will and the ability to control others. It’s not rocket science – it’s not achieve the outcomes for our letting go of the reigns and saying their own destination.” people if the status quo is maintained. “Here you go – it’s your life; you work William Tilmouth, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Change has to happen now. it out and we’ll support you.” Chairperson Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe has always had No one desires to live in poverty. the intention of being long term. We Aboriginal people do want a say in No one desires to live in hardship. follow each child in each community their lives. These are people who have At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, Aboriginal for a generation, supporting families had more than 60,000 years of living people are championing Aboriginal to support their children. We are and 200 years of dispossession and solutions for Aboriginal problems. empowering people to champion their disempowerment. The community are taking control of own solutions, and we are seeing results. issues that directly affect them, and Our kids don’t need to be fixed. are determining the pace, the shape We are conducting a longitudinal Our kids need to grow up as Aboriginal and the manner in which they address evaluation to show the broader children with rights and opportunities, those issues. community that this works. We are with a voice and the ability to control proving ourselves in the face of a their own destination. At Ampe-kenhe I sit on the board of Children’s Ground Western-dominated system. Ahelhe we see what can happen when as the community’s Chairperson. But you are culturally empowered – a whole I’m not one to prescribe a solution for community, family and kids are mobilised them. We are a people’s movement. It’s into taking ownership and control and one that people themselves designed. being a part of their own destiny.
6 6 7 Message from our Directors
led, documented and evaluated by our Arrernte staff – Directors, Senior Educators, Support workers, Nutrition staff and trainees. This initiative is an Arrernte one – “We’re in the driver’s seat now!” is a common shout out. What also helped our establishment of this approach was the fact that we had been backed by philanthropic and community level support that allowed the team to work and grow at their own pace. Essentially it allowed us to be innovative and responsive to what people were asking for and were interested in doing. Our first two years relied solely on this level of support and also helped us launch our Enterprise arm as part of our Economic to her country for almost 40 years. and families to develop content for Development platform earlier this year. There was a lot of emotion in the group our Social Media campaigns and The Federal Government also came on that day. These kinds of milestones just posts, published reports, conference board in 2018 and we received grants keep happening due to us being able to presentations and video snapshots. through Prime Minister and Cabinet and do things the way that Arrernte people The amazing photos in this report are the Department of Health. The Health dictate. We’ve even had Early Years taken by kids, families and staff across funding is assisting us to grow into the sessions at the cemetery, so families the team and all coordinated through a full Children’s Ground model with a can grieve together and be supported database that is overseen by the Media preventative health approach focused through the healing process. It truly is and Communications Coordinator and on family health and wellbeing. 2019 is a beautiful thing – rather than letting regularly updated by staff members shaping up to be incredibly exciting. Co-director Mel Kean with members of the Governance Committee and Senior Arrernte Educators Felicity Hayes and Veronica Turner cultural responsibilities and obligations from each of the family groups. We As we move ever closer to the end of limit delivery and opportunities to work, have a dedication to telling this story 2018, however, the weeks fly by and Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is integrated into far and wide and we know there are daily life at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is these important phases of life’s journey. many ways to achieve this. There never the same. With our three sites are many people each day working Our Centre based learning has a continuing to grow in numbers as in the background: cleaning cars, more contemporary approach to Mel Kean: Our story so far babies are born and new families join managing the accounts, developing Early Years learning, though still This report is a celebration of the in the Walk and Talk and subsequently approach to systemic reform that their extended families in Early Years our health and other platform areas, privileging language immersion and passion, commitment and dedication Early Years Language and Culture encompasses Governance, Workforce, activities, every day is different. On providing operational support to ensure use of cultural contexts. Our Western of everyone involved with Ampe- activities. By the end of 2016, 15 Evidence and Collective Investment. In any one day we can have two groups things run smoothly, organising food Educators, working side by side with kenhe Ahelhe (the Arrernte name for Arrernte community members were short Children’s Ground is much more preparing for and heading out on a and cooking, working on our data the Arrernte Educators, will continue Children’s Ground) in Mparntwe (Alice employed or were providing services to than what you see on the ground on Learning on Country trip and one collection and evaluation, packing the stories started on country, or use Springs). It is also testament to the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, with the support any one day. group settling in for a Centre based up and unpacking from Learning on things that have been brought back incredible achievements of members of one full time and two part time non- learning session. Each group has three Country trips, organising meetings, Back in 2016, the Learning and to the centre like seeds, leaves, nests of the Arrernte Nation who have led Arrernte staff members and volunteers. sessions a week with two Learning on planning for travel to conferences or Wellbeing platform was quickly and ochre to extend learning into the Children’s Ground approach in Country visits and one Centre based fund raising events. All this work is We currently have 23 Arrernte staff and prioritised by the Governance drawings, sculptures, story books, Central Australia. session. Our Learning on Country visits backed up by the wonderful support 12 non-Arrernte staff working regularly. Committee at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe dioramas and many other ideas. Health are led by our Arrernte Educators with of the team in Melbourne that oversees In April 2016, Felicity Hayes and Leonie This is incredible growth in two and due to limited funding, and knowledge and hygiene practices are routine and support from our Western-trained Investments and Partnerships, People Sheedy began the Walk and Talk; the a half years and the relationships and that if you start with the little ones have included physical activities like Early Years Educators, with learning and Culture, Administrative support, journey to determine the appetite, working partnerships that have been (CG Principle 2. Start early – see pg. yoga and meditation. Children have focused on land, language, kinship, Communications and of course the commitment and the potential of established over this time continue to 5) you will have the greatest impact story time and use books in Arrernte responsibilities to country and so much includes our CEO Jane Vadiveloo. growing a Children’s Ground Central strengthen as we all grow and develop on their future. It is a completely developed by our team and other more. Even in the Early Years, this Everyone is engaged, and everyone Australia site. For years there had been together. Walking alongside this team intergenerational approach. As the Early Years books from Australia and learning incorporates science, maths, plays a role in making Ampe-kenhe agitation from senior women in Central of people has been incredibly humbling. team started developing and delivering around the world. These sessions have pre-literacy and numeracy. “Going out Ahelhe function and grow. Australia for Children’s Ground to come To hear people say that they wouldn’t Early Years (0-6 years) Language and a well-developed routine and structure on country is not just a picnic” as one that we are continuously improving Children’s Ground continues in its – Arrernte community leaders who had have a job if it wasn’t for Ampe-kenhe Culture activities on country with each of our Directors, MK Turner would say. on. Recently we have been able to add journey to advance a system to been key in the development of the Ahelhe and to watch staff overcome of the three Arrernte family groups The added benefit is that everyone is strong music content and we are seeing respond to the social, cultural and Children’s Ground model when it first challenges and personal crisis and still that started Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, we learning and sharing knowledge. was put up for funding to Government come to work and feel supported here quickly saw that this approach and some great outcomes through this economic determinants for long term in 2011. Over the next few months their is everything to us. way of working was bringing whole As a non-First Nations person, I could dedicated time to rhythm. wellbeing. In our 2018 Community work, and that of the ever-increasing families together around their children. never have envisaged just how much it Report you will hear this from the The Children’s Ground approach is an While all this learning is going on, our Arrernte and non-Arrernte staff joining We were regularly seeing three, and would mean for families to be getting Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe community. integrated system of five platforms - Enterprise coordinator may be working the team, reignited the vision and often four, generations of family come out to country regularly. For some A place of empowerment; a place Learning and Wellbeing; Health and with other staff on our new line of passion of local Arrernte people to together. This year we have had five families, Children’s Ground has provided of no argument; a place that recognises Wellbeing; Community Development books. There’s media training involved continue a long history of fighting generations of one family coming the logistical support for their children change can happen when people have and Wellbeing; Economic development and walking through the process from for education reform and social and along. How do we get so many family to be out on country for the first time; hope, agency, opportunity, choice and and Wellbeing; and Creative and idea development through publishing cultural equity. In that first year alone members involved people ask? Well for some adults it is their first return to voice in decision making about their Cultural Wellbeing. These integrated to ready-for-sale content. Our Media 373 adults and 185 children took part as William says, it’s not rocket science country in years. A senior lady we took own lives, backed with the resources to platforms form part of our greater and Communications Coordinator – it’s because our delivery is designed, out a few months ago had not returned deliver excellence. works tirelessly with Arrernte staff 8 9 Ampe Mape Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Children’s Ground Children 2018 Connolly Zena Kaylahni Rhonda Kelvin Jr (Penangke) Telira (Angale) Kamille (Angale) Jarelle (Perrurle) Zaylarni (Ampetyane) Laykin (Penangke) Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
Edwina Anton Irick Clarice Neveah Brodie Andre Rosie Dominic (Penangke) Clevone (Kemarre) Giovanna Braxton Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
Jacob Jazelle Kileera Gertrude Constance Shishana Nyiesha (Kemarre) Thomasina (Penangke) Edith Camisha (Pengarte) Kyesha (Pengarte) Jaybon (Kemarre) Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
Allanah Alyeesha Keleisha Launisha Zoe Lynette Janoah (Angale) Lorenzo Rashieda Jarius (Perrurle) Ellarisha Aaliyah Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Yarrenyty Arltere Irrkerlantye Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
Karen Richard Liliana Sharmarnie Rodney Warren Rickalum Shahana (Penangke) Anna Marie Winston Logan Cletus Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
Shontara Shania Lakayla Adrian Tahlia Sharlana Frankie Shanti (Kemarre) Florence Jayla Stephen Marthalias Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
Josephine Daniel Kelsey Nigella Rekiah Cathy Talina Montannah Mikey (Penangke) Joaquin Francisca Matthais Irrkerlantye Irrkerlantye Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe Mpweringke Anapipe
10 11 Ampe Akweke mape-kenhe Ayeye: Children’s Stories
Ampe Akweke Laykin + Shahana Rhett Hammerton by Photo mape-kenhe Ayeye Turner Children’s Stories
By Amanda Turner, Arrernte Educator Throughout 2018 Laykin was trying and Early Years Support Worker, to attend preschool as well, just one Nanna to Laykin (5) and Shahana (3) day a week, to see if he liked it. But he wasn’t very comfortable there. Brother and sister Shahana and Laykin Laykin feels safe at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. Turner had never visited their Country He knows that his teachers here are his before coming to Early Years language family members, so he feels at home and culture activities with Ampe-kenhe and confident to learn from them. Ahelhe at the end of 2017. Over the last Laykin loves eating watermelon and year, they have been visiting country other fruits and vegetables at Ampe- weekly with our Learning on Country kenhe Ahelhe. There isn’t always much trips to Mpweringke Anapipe, as well fruit at home for him, but Laykin and his as attending Early Years at our Central family are learning about nutritious food Hub in Mparntwe. when they come here. When Shahana and Laykin attend Learning on Country activities they are Shahana and Laykin attend activities Laykin really enjoys going out bush and connecting with important parts of with their mum Ursula, and are being on Country. When he’s by himself Country and learning the stories for that learning from the great teachers in he sits and plays with sticks on the place. When they visited the rockhole their family: their aunties, uncles, ground – making little shade structures near Sandy Bore (a significant cultural - - nannas and great-grandmothers. and using his imagination. His Nanna site) their Great-Grandmother Marita Ampe akweke areye amangkemele itne akaltye ireme Before coming to Ampe-kenhe Veronica might sit there and tell him: “ told them the story. It was the first time Ahelhe, Shahana and Laykin weren’t That’s how our Nanna and Grandpa used to build their houses back in the that Shahana, Laykin and their mother rlterrke akwete anetyenenge. Nhenhe ayeye itnekenhe. seeing their extended family very old days, out on Country”. We know that Ursula had been able to visit that place. often. Now they are together with the Laykin is listening and learning because whole family several times a week. Laykin is becoming a good role model he keeps repeating these stories at As our little kids grow up, they’re learning and staying for his younger sister Shahana. She Shahana and Laykin are always home to anyone who will listen. He is follows him around and is learning excited and ready to go on Tuesday more focused and engaged when he is from him too. They look after each strong all the way. Here are some of their stories... when I arrive driving the bus to take learning on Country. other – at the centre and on Country. them out on Country. They sing Both Laykin and Shahana are learning They never leave each other’s sides out: “Mum! Mum! Let’s go! Nanna stronger Arrernte from being with their ”. when we’re on Country. 12 12 Amanda’s here! Elders and teachers. 13 Ampe Akweke mape-kenhe Ayeye: Children’s Stories
Liliana Fly
Kaylahni + Kileera Charles
By Roxanne Sharpe, Early Years Dulcie works with us too and comes out By Felicity Hayes, Senior Arrernte Liliana has been coming to Ampe-kenhe Support Worker, Mother to Kaylahni on country. Sometimes she will smoke “They are learning about Educator and Aunty to Liliana Ahelhe for the past couple of years and Kileera the kids to make them strong. When healthy routines like with her mother Angelina Hayes who Kaylahni was a baby, Dulcie smoked Liliana apele Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe-werne is employed as an Early Years support Kileera and Kaylahni have been coming her and I when we were out on country blowing noses, washing akwetethe apetyentye akngerre meye worker. When she comes here for Early to Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe since 2016, from with Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. This is really hands and cleaning their ikwerengnhe Angelina-enge. Angelina Years programs at our Central Hub the very begining! important for mothers and babies. re warrke-irreme Ampe-kenhe Ahelhele in Mparntwe or attends Learning on Before, I was taking them to another The girls are always listening to their teeth. The girls then do ampe akweke mape akaltyele anthemele. Country trips to places like Irrkerlantye, little kids program, but I changed Nannas tell stories of the old days. Re apmere-werne akngemele itneke Mt Undoolya or Anthwerrke (Emily this back at home.” imernetyeke nthakenhe arne mpwareme to Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe because I grew up out bush, eating off the land Gap), she is surrounded by other family mwerre anthurrele, untheme le aremele. I wanted to take my kids out on and being in the open space. But things who are working. During one Early Years session we drew Re ampe akweke mape akngeme country. It’s really important for kids have changed since I moved to town around Kileera to make the outline of a Irrkerlantye-werne, Melknge-werne, Lily gets really excited every time she to learn about their country. My older – there are lots of barriers to getting body so the kids could learn the names Anthwerrke-werne. Liliana aneme ikwere sees the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe bus arrive kids spent a lot of time learning their out bush. Now I am working at Ampe- of body parts. The girls are learning the artweye arrpenhe mapenge warrke-irremele. at her house at Hidden Valley town father’s country. I need my younger kenhe Ahelhe, I can go out on country heads, shoulders, knees and toes song camp. She’ll run out to meet it with a big “We’re really noticing ones to know my country. all the time. too. They love singing. Liliana re akangkeme mutekaye ampe- smile in her Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe t-shirt. kenhe ahelhe-arenye apmere ikwreneke the difference in When we’re out on country with Ampe- Kaylahni and Kileera get really excited She’s always ready to go. Sometimes we crush ochre to make ngkernelhemaleke. Re irrpeme Ampe- kenhe Ahelhe, Kileera and Kaylahni are when the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe bus Lily’s confidence. paintings at the centre. Kaylahni and kenhe Ahelhe tyarte akwekeke. Re Lily knows the routine now, and is able learning from me. I’ll walk around with arrives at our house to pick them up. Kileera watch whatever I am doing and akwetethe akarelheme bus-ke. to teach other children. She’s become Her knowledge of a crow bar to dig for tyape (witchetty They are learning about healthy routines learn from me. It’s really good to come a little role model. grub) or yerrampe (honey ant) and at the centre like blowing noses, Liliana re akaltye irreme nthakenhe relationships and to a place where I can work and still be We’re really noticing the difference they will pick up little sticks to copy me. washing hands and cleaning their teeth. anetyeke Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe-le ante with my kids. in Lily’s confidence. Her knowledge culture is also growing. On country, the kids can run around in The girls then do this back at home. re akaltyele-antheme ampe akweke of relationships and culture is also the open space and play with anything Kileera loves playing with the dolls at arrpenhe-areye. Liliana re imerneme itne We need to keep this growing. We need to keep this place they find there. We sit down in a shady Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe and putting little nthakenhe anetyeke. Anwerne renhe strong for her. place strong for her.” creekbed and cook kangaroo tails. nappies on them. Then she tries to do it areme re akaltye anthurre. Ikwerenhe Kaylahni and Kileera’s Grandmother on Kaylahni back at home. iterrentye uthene, apmere-akerte uthene, re amangkeme mwarrentye anthurre. Awerne apmere nhenhe iterrke 14 arntwirrkwetyeke itneke. 15 “Apmere nhenhe Arrernte-kenhe, mwantyele apmere nhenhe atnyenetyeke, apmere anwerne-kenhe aneme. Arne unthene apwerle unthene altyerre akngerre akerle. Ampe anwerne-kenhe areye anwerne akaltyele antheme apmere-werne akngemele. Itne itelaretyenge, itne anteme apmere nhenhe arntarnte-aretyenge.” Marita McMillan, Governance Committee and Senior Arrernte Educator
“This is Arrernte country. Respect it! When you respect the land, the land respects you. Country has eyes – just like us. Every hill, tree and rock is watching. Every hill, tree and rock is sacred. We don’t own the land, the land owns us. We are teaching our children to respect the country. They are
16 16 the next generation who will look after this place.” 17 Learning and Wellbeing
Akaltye-irreme Unte Mwerre Anetyeke Bethan and Roxanne running an Early Years session on country at Honeymoon Gap This year, we have continued to grow It is where children not only learn Children are now attending three our Learning and Wellbeing platform knowledge and develop their skills but Early Years sessions per week at Ampe- as we keep walking and talking with they learn the rules of society, how to kenhe Ahelhe – two on country and one new families. It’s really important to behave, their responsibilities to land and at our Central Hub. We are making sure us that we are accessing all families people. They learn about the law. Their that our children are learning on country in our community. That is how we will future roles and obligations are dictated multiple times a week, from the right see change – when every child in every by the land from birth. Country is our cultural educators in their families to tell family can access culturally appropriate educational system. stories, teach language and guide the education delivered in their first younger generation through their early Learning from the land gives rise to language, where they live. years of life. knowledge across all contemporary We are still prioritising Learning on curriculum areas including; numeracy, We continue the teaching from country Country while offering Early Years literacy, history, geography, sustainability, back at our Central Hub. Our children learning sessions at the Central Hub in science, arts, health, wellbeing, law, know now that Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Mparntwe that we established last year. ethics and society. Key areas of is their place. They jump off the bus This has become a really strong base development including social, cognitive, and run to the Early Years area. They for us. It’s here that we house the roots physical, spiritual and emotional explore, make mud cakes, read books of Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe as our central wellbeing are nurtured. and use their imaginations. Parents meeting place while still honouring the come here with their children and are We don’t want our children to just country that holds and guides us. involved in their learning. That’s the look at a picture of a kangaroo on a most important thing for us. Ampe- The land is our greatest teacher and classroom wall – we want them to really kenhe Ahelhe is an intergenerational forms the base of our education see that kangaroo. We want to teach learning hub. programs. We know the land is rich in them about how the country changes knowledge. It is alive. It teaches and during the different seasons. In town, We want our children to be strong guides us. It holds the law like a court. kids just see water coming from a tap. in both first language and culture as It holds the art like a gallery. It holds When we go out bush with Ampe-kenhe well as confident in English numeracy, the knowledge like a library. It holds the Ahelhe they learn that the water comes literacy and global knowledge. First medicine like a pharmacy and it holds from the ground and we show them Nations educators work side-by-side the the food like a supermarket. how to dig for it. No more sitting down with Western-trained teachers who in a classroom – the best learning is share their knowledge and skills. We For our children, the land gives early outside, on country. are on this journey together as equal childhood, primary and secondary educators in our own rights. education. For adults it is a university.
18 Our Central Hub is a place of safety, inclusion and intergenerational learning 19 Learning and Wellbeing: Working Side by Side First Nations and Western Education Approaches
Our music specialist Shon runs a activity with children and parents
Western Educator Dave reads a book in English and Arrernte Educator Anna Maria translates it into the children’s first language
Anwerne Ingkerreke Apurte Warrke-irreme Children’s Ground is a 25 year 60,000 plus years of a sophisticated “At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, approach. The long term aim of our education and legal system that has Learning and Wellbeing platform is ensured we are the longest continuous children are able to develop for young people to finish school with living culture in the world. rich cultural and linguistic every opportunity of the global world At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, Arrernte foundations in their first open to them and the confidence Educators work alongside Western to achieve success and happiness in language and culture. As a trained Educators, bringing knowledge whatever journey they may take. Western Educator, I support, and experience that enhance the In Mparntwe, many of us leading the way skills of the overall team. Children are teach, listen and mentor, at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe are experienced coming through Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe working in partnership with teachers – both academically and with their cultural identity prioritised, First Nations Educators as culturally. Academically we may have while getting the benefits of Early we ensure the children are experience as language teachers, Years learning in both Arrernte and primary years teachers or assistants, English. We are not employed as receiving a holistic education dictionary writers, authors, curriculum assistants so the Western Educator can that equips them to walk developers or as cultural teachers understand what our children might confidently in all worlds.” sought by people from all over town be saying. Arrernte Educators are in Dave Holmes, Senior Western Educator for our advice. Senior positions with support roles and Early on we mapped the many trainees learning from them. Western- attempts over the last few decades to trained Educators and Arrernte have Arrernte language and culture Educators mentor each other. privileged within the education system. We know that if our children learn in Each time we started something their first language, they will be more revolutionary, it would be slowly able to acquire English. This is leading whittled down by reducing our funding. educational practice. This side-by- We saw a lack of support from a system side approach to teaching is working. that continued in its intention to push Before, kids were weak in both for assimilation as a step towards Arrernte and English. Now they are success, rather that committing to the becoming strong in both languages. strengths and knowledge within our Our aim is for our kids to master both culture. We have the experience of – remembering that First Nations people have always been multi-lingual. Our Western Educators are introducing us and the children to healthy, mindful practices like yoga 20 21 Learning and Wellbeing: Arrernte-kenhe Angkentye Learning and Wellbeing: Learning on Country
“We have always been told that the Western way is the better way than what we “Ampe akweke anwerne-kenhe areye apmerenge akaltye- irreme country already had. We have never been validated for our knowledge. We are writing it itnekenge. Itne mpwaremele, unthemele apmere yanhe ikwerele. Ampe akweke down so you can see that we can teach our children our way, the way we have anwerne-kenhe areye itne impene anthurre aneme. Country is a powerful been doing for generations. We are writing about a very deep and rich way of place for kids to learn; to relax their body, mind and soul.It’s a place to rest. learning which is so important for us and our children.” learning on country is the number one priority for our kids.” Lorrayne Gorey, Governance Committee and Senior Arrernte Educator Leonie Palmer, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Co-director
We are continuing the journey of designing our own Arrernte cirriculum – Arrernte-kenhe Angkentye – a culturally appropriate Anwerne itneke ayeye-ileke apmere-akerte, nthakenhe-arle anwerneke artweye mape aneke. Itne itelaretye-nhenge. way to teach our children that will provide the richest and deepest learning for them. We want to change the current Learning on country is important for our children because they are our future generation who will carry on our language and education system because it has failed us. We are fighting for the right to teach our children, our way; with all the knowledge culture. This map circles some of the places that we have visited for Learning on Country trips this year for our three sites: that has been taught for generations and generations by our great leaders – our Elders and Ancestors. Yarrenyty Arltere, Mpweringke Anapipe and Irrkerlantye. Back in the 1980s some of our Elders and other staff were involved in developing the Intelyapelyape curriculum for preschool and the primary age group. A lot of work went into this, but it hasn’t been used for years and hasn’t been recognised by the mainstream education system. It was created by the Arrernte people with IAD (Institute for Aboriginal Development) and Yipirinya school. We are now building from that foundation and going further and deeper than we ever did before with our own Arerrnte learning framework. We have been supported by the Arrernte Resource Centre at Batchelor Institute. The green circles show the way we teach. The blue circles are our principles of learning. The orange circles show the strength of the child’s learning. Arrernte-kenhe Angkentye
W Gillen Bore Learning: hat we be s of lieve Snake Well iple in inc Aweme, Pr iterreme, 8 Apmerele areme aneme Burt Creek Listening, thinking Apmere Being on Angkentye Land & watching Country Top Bore Language Harry Creek Corkwood Bore Sandy Bore Akaltye 9 S irretyeke t re McGrath’s Dam Learning n e Iterrentye g t p h s Black Tank m Mind Artweye- t a Atywerrenge h nhenge h Utnenge a Law t c anpernerrentye a Spirit d e e t m Relationships Bond Springs
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Ayeye ileme Sharing stories
22 22 23 Marita McMillan is standing here with her nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on our country. This place is country for all of us. Learning and Wellbeing: Learning on Country with Mpweringke Anapipe families
McGrath’s Dam is a really special place for our families. This is the place where we sat down and protested for our On the way to Sandy Bore we collect bush to get our land back. We all lived here in tin sheds, walking around with our parents and hunting for bush foods. medicine from our Country and show the When we visit this place for Learning on Country, we tell the children these stories of history, family and country. children how to crush and grind it. Apmere Apmere Alenyerrekatherre McGrath’s Ayerrere Mparntwenge Dam Ayerrere Mparntwenge
This inernte tree was planted by the children’s Great-Grandparents a long time ago. We tell them stories about all four of their Great- Grandparents while we pick inernte seeds. Then we show the children how to burn holes in them to thread into necklaces.
Zaylarni with her Great-great-grandmother Clevone is learning the Arrernte names for animals and plants with Cathy. MK on her first visit to her country.
24 24 25 Learning and Wellbeing: Learning on Country with Irrkerlantye families
Nhenhe Karen uthene Lynette uternele areme tyape atnyematye artekerre kweneke. Nhenhe Noreen-le ure akweke iteme tyape atnyematye mape itetyeke. Karen and Lynette are looked inside the root for the witchetty grub. Then Noreen made a small fire to cook it.
Apmere Anwerne uthetyeke alheke ampe akweke mape- kerte merne atwakeye aretyeke. We went for a walk with the children to look for bush oranges. Apmere Merlknge Ikngerre Irrkerlantye Nhenhe Shania-le utnerrenge akeme Merlknge-ke. Shania Mparntwenge Ikngerre is picking utnerrenge (a bush medicine) at Mt Undoolya. Mparntwenge
Nhenhe ampe mape-le kere akantye pipe foil-le arrerne. Children wrapping kangaroo tails with foil paper.
Nhenhe Richard uthene Edgar uthenele imerneme alangkwe atherre. Richard and Edgar showing some bush bananas. Nhenhe ampe mapele kutyemele areme merne atwakeye ahelhe-ke. 26 Children are gathering and looking at atwakeye fruits on the ground. 26 27 Learning and Wellbeing: Learning on Country with Yarrenyty Arltere families Simpson’s Gap Altule Mparntwenge
Owen Springs Altule Mparntwenge
Kaylahni is learning how Roxanne is digging for tyape to make damper with her Bethan and Gertrude are engaging in (witchetty grub). Grandmother Dulcie. imaginative play by using rocks as phones. Peyperinja Jacob and Clarice are pretending to build a fire. Altule Mparntwenge
Kaylahni and Kileera are playing with the bush toys that their family made for them out of tin cans, just like the ones they used in the old days. Alison is showing the children how to dig for yalke (bush onion).
Keliesha and Shashana are holding the tyape (witchetty grub) they found.
Kaylahni’s sister helped her build this humpy. 28 29 Figure 1: A Model for First Nations Wellbeing1 Health and Wellbeing
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1Vadiveloo J.S, Tilmouth W, Turner MK. First Nations Wellbeing Tyerrtye Mwerre Anetyeke
At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, we know land can affect your health is learnt “We are taking health back to that health cannot be separated from by being on country. With Ampe- education, identity, culture, creativity kenhe Ahelhe we are making sure that our people and making sure and economic wellbeing – so we have our next generation are visiting and our families know and control continued to connect and integrate learning from their country regularly. their health story.” everything into our Early Years Just being on country: that’s healthy for programs. At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe we our kids. Their spirit is free; their mind is When on country, we show the children look at all of the factors that influence at ease. They explore the open space; how to find, identify, crush, mix and a child’s learning and development, they can be physical and active; they use bush medicines. Akeyulerre (the including the health and wellbeing of can express themselves. Arrernte Healing Centre) is our key each child and their family. partner and we are all part of the same Cultural safety is important for the Arrernte community. This year we have We teach children good routines to health of our children and families. run several Early Years sessions at keep them healthy and strong in their They need to be learning from the Akeyulerre so children can learn from body and mind, using both our First right cultural educators to speak for the Anangkeres (Arrernte healers) in Nations knowledge and the Western that country. It is about respect and their family. health system. Teeth-brushing, nose- teaching the proper way. When we blowing, hand-washing and smoking are on country we communicate with We have also had some exciting our children are all part of our Early the ancestors to keep everyone safe. developments at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Years activities – the children are The land is a family member and we in the health space this year, with the learning these important health routines all have our different relationships and beginings of a Health and Wellbeing from a young age. responsibilites to it. team coming together. In September we published our Health and Wellbeing Our nutrition program at Ampe-kenhe This year we are continuing to tell Framework: Utnenge, Tyerrtye, Mwerre Ahelhe encourages children to eat and important health stories on country. Atnyenetyeke Iitye Tyerrtye Urrperle- enjoy healthy foods. Children know The food we find here is the most kenhenge - Health in the Hands of the they will always have lots of fruit, nutritious for our children and keeps the People which features our model for snacks and a healthy lunch when they whole family healthy. Looking for this First Nations wellbeing (figure 1). This come here. Families are also learning food keeps us active too. We show the demonstrates that the way we think about about and trying nutritous meals they children how to dig for tyape (witchetty health at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is through can cook at home. grub) and yerrampe (honey ant). We our holistic First Nations perspective. We chase the alewatyere (goanna) and Our First Nations health system comes are taking health back to our people and atyunpe (perentie) and climb the tree to from the land. Walking on country and making sure our families know and control find the alangkwe (bush banana). understanding how the wind or the their own health story. 30 31 Economic Development and Wellbeing
Some of our Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe and Akeyulerre Governance Committee and staff at our Central Hub in Mparntwe
Mwerrentye Warrke Irretyeke At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe we celebrate important for our children to know that “I feel really supported people’s abilities whether they are the best teachers for them are their working at Ampe-kenhe artists, translators, authors, healers, parents and grandparents. teachers, directors or advisors and Ahelhe with our Elders and This year we have seen more men in include everyone in our decision-making our communities come on board as all the staff. It’s really made processes. At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe our Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe staff and cultural cultural standing and knowledge is a big difference to my life.” advisors, as well as volunteering with Veronica Turner, Governance Committee recognised. We are not just employed our Early Years activities on country. It’s and Senior Arrernte Educator as assistants, but as professionals in our really important that we are including own right. We work alongside non- everyone in our community in the produce and sell them from our online Indigenous people who are sharing their Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe journey. store. Whenever we travel interstate skills and knowledge, as we all learn and to give presentations, people are really walk together. In 2018 we started to grow our interested in our language books. enterprise potential with the In 2018, we employed 14 new First introduction of a Social Enterprise We have also developed a series of Nations staff and 8 new non-Indigenous Coordinator position. We are assessing t-shirt designs featuring Arrernte staff across our Learning and Wellbeing, the strengths in our community and language that were created during Early Health and Wellbeing, Creative and talking with families, Elders and young Years activities. Selling these designs Cultural Wellbeing, Community people about what kind of enterprises will help us raise funds to keep doing Development and Wellbeing and they would like to develop. We see a lot this important work. It will also be great Economic Development and Wellbeing of potential within our community and for the kids to see people wearing platforms. We are employed as Early know that First Nations peoples have t-shirts that they have designed! Years educators, nutrition workers, many strengths and talents. health specialists, community We want to strengthen the economic researchers and evaluators, bus drivers, One part of our emerging social and social capital of our First Nations admin workers, media workers and enterprise is our Early Years resource communities. Working out different ways Governance Committee advisors. development. In 2018 we have written, to share our language and culture with We celebrate everyone’s ability to designed and printed 4 new Arrernte the wider community is one way we can contribute and value the skills of all our language books for children, with 3 make the most of our knowledge and staff and volunteers. more currently in progress. One of these our strengths to achieve this. will be written in both Western Arrernte When children see their Elders, parents We are looking forward to seeing what and Luritja by families from Yarrenyty and extended family working in other enterprise opportunities will grow Arltere. We started writing books in meaningful employment, they see in 2019 with all the skills and talents in language to use during our Early Years First Nations people as leaders. It’s our community. 32 32 activities, and are now begining to 33 “I’ve really learnt a lot from working at Ampe-Kenhe Ahelhe from my Elders - the Senior Arrernte Educators who work here. I feel a strong connection with them and how they are teaching the little ones on country. The children have been learning a lot this year. They are really listening, watching and talking more Arrernte. Now I’m stepping up teaching the little ones too. They are strong when they are on Country. They are learning a lot about their culture and their story and it makes me so proud.” Amanda Turner, Governance Committee and Arrernte Educator
34 35 Creative and Cultural Development and Wellbeing
Siobhan wearing the t-shirt she designed with Shahana and Laykin
Arne Mpwaretyeke, Mwantyele Antirrkwetyke
In 2018 we have continued to and participate in dance cermonies integrate creative and cultural on Country. All our learning outcomes activities into everything we do at connect to culture and creativity. Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. This year we have also employed As First Nations peoples, we have a Western-trained art and music lot of cultural wealth and knowledge, specialists to share their knowledge handed down to us over many with us and facilitate intergenerational thousands of years by our ancestors. art activities. These creative activites This comes in the form of stories, song will be integrated into Early Years and dance about land, kinship, language, learning activities at our Central Hub as totems and law. This knowledge gives well as Family Nights and celebrations us our identity and culture. that involve the whole community. In First Nations societies, creativity, art, Our School Holiday programs in 2018 Staff and family created illustrations music and dance all form part of and have focused on creative activities with their children both on country and are interconnected with culture, so for young people including screen- at our Central hub as children learnt the everything is linked in learning at Ampe- printing, painting, songwriting, Arrernte names of weather patterns kenhe Ahelhe. The curriculum we are performing, poetry and digital media. and features of the sky. The book we designing, , These workshops involve the whole Arrernte-kenhe Angkentye have created together will reinforce describes this. It is important for our family, with young people supported this learning. The children’s illustrations children to be strong in Tyerrtye-kenhe by their grandparents, parents, aunties were also featured across a series of Iterrentye (Culture) - to know where and uncles in an intergenerational t-shirts and giftcards to sell from our people come from and how they are learning environment. online store. Our creative activities are related through land, language, law We are also integrating creative forming part of our social enterprise. and culture. In our Ingkerrenyeke arts into our resource development Anyenteke-irreme (Family and We are also working on a number of by making illustrations to use in Community Together) learning new language resources that feature language teaching. This year, we outcome, we teach children how we are illustrations from our Learning on held art workshops during our Early connected through stories, songlines Country sessions. We know there Years activites to develop an Arrernte and dances. In our Arne Mpwartyeke is a wealth of creative talent in our language book about the sky, the (Creativity) learning outcome, we are communities, so we will continue weather and the seasons called Alkere. teaching our children how to dance to support people to explore their artistic potential. 36 36 37 Here are some examples of the the Early Years resources we have been creating both with, and for our children. There are many different types of resources we create, all with the aim of passing on language, country and culture to our children. We might come back from a Learning on Country trip and use the photos we took to make books, flashcards and other learning resources in Arrernte and English. We might use iPads to create digital illustrations of country, family and children. We might focus on a particular Arrernte learning outcome or something we want to teach the children. It could be a book about family or the weather and seasons. Here are some of the resources we have created this year and photos of us sharing them with our children.
38 38 39 Nhenhe merne arrankweye. “We want our kids talking Gurindji, Arrernte, Luritja, Warlpiri and then English! All our kids need to learn their own language first. If we put their language first it will keep their culture strong.I don’t want our children to grow up lost and to not know where they come from. They’ve got to know where they come from, and their skin name. The Elders need to tell them their story so they know.” Marlene Rubuntja, Senior Cultural Advisor
40 40 41 Community Development and Wellbeing
Tyerrtye Areye Mwerre Anetyeke At Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe, our daily led by the community. In October, operations are driven from our we began running weekly Early Years “We’ve started from our own Central Hub at Bloomfield St – an sessions for Yarrenyty Arltere families foundations, not someone intergenerational, inclusive space of there, in community, alongside our else’s. We’ve grown this place safety, learning and celebration. 2018 weekly Learning on Country trips. This from the grassroots. It’s a was our first full year of operating in marks another step in walking alongside this space – we have really grown our families in the community where they place for all the community to Central Hub from the grassroots. live, offering place-based opportunities come and feel safe: to relax, that strengthen the cultural and social It is from this place that our local to learn, to be together. I capital of the community. governance and daily service delivery really like this place. We all are coordinated. Children come here Our local Governance: Ingkerrekele feel really good in this place.” for Early Years learning activites and Arntarnte-areme ampe-kenhe ahelhe MK Turner, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Co-director adults come for work. Families come to is created by the community so that support their children’s learning and be the right people are speaking for each held 6 Family Nights and 3 end-of-term a part of the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe family. place we work with. This year, we have celebrations. During the January school It is a place where everyone can be part invited more important Arrernte Elders holidays, First Nations musicians Mau of a strong, vibrant community. to connect with Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. Power and Black Rock Band came to There are still more people we need to Mparntwe to make music with young We run on a hub and spoke model talk with to include all the voices in our First Nations people during our school – activities occur each day at our communities. holiday program. The two weeks of Centre (hub) as well as on Country music, digital storytelling and yoga (the spokes). Activities include We hold weekly Governance meetings workshops culminated in an Arrernte learning, employment, cultural that are open to all community. It’s a Family Night on January 26 named activities, arts, enterprise, social chance for all of us to come together: Arlte Alhwarrpe (Sorry Day). This was support and health promotion. both to listen and to speak. We meet a chance to reflect on the pain of with stakeholders and government, Throughout 2018 we have continued history, while celebrating the strength we make decisions and we plan for our journey with families from Yarrenyty and talents of our First Nations youth the future of Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. Arltere (Larapinta Valley Town Camp) in a healing space at Ampe-kenhe as they pushed for Early Years activities Celebrations and Family Nights are an Ahelhe, surrounded by family. with Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe to be held at important part of what we do. They We want to make sure that everyone their Learning Centre. Yarrenyty Arltere are a chance for everyone to come who comes to Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe feels Learning Centre has a long history of together and be proud of what we’re like they’re part of a strong community. intergenerational education initiatives achieving. Throughout the year, we’ve 4242 42 43 Sharing Our Story
Ayeye Anwerne-kenhe Ileme Veronica Turner This year, we have continued to share anwerne iwerre imerneme: Families Country in Arnhem Land. William Werte! Arritnye atyinhe Veronica doing here at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe “The presentation was highly the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe story with leading the way demonstrated the gave a stirring speech in a forum Kngwarraye Turner. Ayenge apmere everyone is starting to notice what the wider Australian community value and necessity of allowing about truth telling, highlighting why Anapipe arenye. Ayenge warrke-irreme we are trying to do for our children. insightful, thought provoking through presentations at national First Nations people to be decision- we must not persist with a system Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe-nge. Hello! My Our children are our future generation. and very inspiring. Everyone conferences as well as meetings with makers, designing, delivering and that is fragmented and fractured, and name is Veronica Kngwarraye Turner. They will be our next leaders. They will in the room had shed a few by Government, stakeholders, community evaluating the services funded to leaves First Nations children in the My country is Sandy Bore outstation, be the leaders for their children. the end of the session because representatives and local organisations. improve outcomes for us. What works same state. It was celebrated with a North-East of Alice Springs. I work and matters for families can only be It was a privilege to meet with it was so moving.” We are recieving so many requests to standing ovation and much emotion. here as a Senior Arrernte Educator. identified by families. politicians like Tanya Plibersek when Ria Cleary, (Early Childhood Australia share the work we’re doing at Ampe- We are finishing up a big year of I have been working here for two years she did a talk at breakfast at the Conference delegate) kenhe Ahelhe – people are really In September, Felicity, Veronica and sharing our story with two more now in the Learning and Wellbeing Mercure Hotel. Pat Dodson and paying attention to us now. Ash presented at the 2018 Early presentations. At the National Child team. Last year I was really focused Warren Snowden also came to see us Childhood Australia conference Late last year Senator Patrick Dodson Protection Summit in Adelaide we will on working with the little ones and at Children’s Ground and listened to on Gadigal Country in Sydney. Our met with us at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. be presenting four times in one day, getting them out on Country for our our story about what we’re doing for “The story was truly inspiring. presentation, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe: sharing our principles and the care we After we spoke strongly about our learning activites. I’m still doing this our children. Out of the entire conference Anwernenhe anteme iwerre anthaye all commit to our children through our work, but am speaking up more now at rights as First Nations peoples to design, I really enjoyed meeting Stan Grant they were the only people deliver and evaluate our own culturally ampe akweke anwerne-kenhe work at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe. conferences and presentations. areyeke (Children’s Ground: Backing - I’ve always wanted to meet him in appropriate education system, he said We also sent representatives from to get a standing ovation... Aboriginal people to lead the way in In 2018 I took the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe person. His speeches touch my heart - “This is music to my ears.” Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe and Akeyulerre what a pleasure listening to the early years) recieved a standing story to the Australian Institute of he was a highlight from the conference to the Healing our Spirit Worldwide In May, representatives from our ovation from a crowded room of Family Studies in Melbourne, the in Sydney. the journey Children’s Ground Governance Committee spoke at the conference on Gadigal Country in Early Childhood Australia conference conference delegates from around the I feel really supported working at has taken.” Cross Sector Orientation in Mparntwe, Sydney. There, we shared our skills as in Sydney and the Cross Sector world, including First Nations child Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe with our Elders Andrew Clifford, NSW/ACT Inclusion alongside Chairperson William Angangkeres (Traditional Healers) and Orientation here in Alice Springs. I welfare activist Dr Cindy Blackstock. and Senior Educators and the staff. Agency (Early Childhood Australia Tilmouth. We discussed the Ampe- had open conversations with other also spoke at our Reconciliation Week Conference delegate) In August, Felicity attended the It’s really made a big difference to my kenhe Ahelhe principles and advised First Nations healers from around the event at Telegraph Station and at reception for the former Prime Minister life working with everyone. I want to the broader community sector on world. We also demonstrated how Garma Festival in Arnhem Land. Malcolm Turnbull at the Alice Springs see big changes for our kids. I want to ways to work more effectively with healing is a big part of the framework Town Council as a representative for I really enjoyed all these conferences see big changes for our families. First Nations peoples. that surrounds us all in our work, I went to and spoke up at. I felt proud Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe and Akeyulerre. and how leading the way at Ampe- In 2019 we will keep working on the In July, Felicity, Veronica, Mel and of myself, sharing our presentation to Felicity, Veronica, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe kenhe Ahele through designing, big dream of starting a school on Jen spoke at the Australian Institue everyone. Working with Felicity, Ash Chairperson William Tilmouth and implementing and evaluating the work Country, on our Homelands. We need of Family Studies in Melbourne. Our and Mel made me more confident and CEO Jane Vadiveloo participated we are doing is also about healing the to be teaching our kids on Country to presentation, Artweyenge-ntyele to develop my public speaking skills. in Garma Festival 2018, on Yolngu disempowerment and dispossession keep our language and culture strong. we have lived with in the past. When we share the story of what we’re 44 45 Reconciliation Week 2018: We All Get Together
Anwerne Ingkerreke Apurte Irretyeme In 2018, we held our first Reconciliation Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Senior Arrernte Drum Atweme from Yipirinya Martin Luther King III came onto “Let us start a new chapter “The way Martin Luther King III Week event with representatives of Educator Veronica Turner was our School had the children from the Arrernte land with so much respect, the Arrernte Nation, supported by Master of Ceremony for the event, in the future of Australia, Alice Springs Steiner School up and deferring at every turn to First Nations spoke about honouring First – Lhere Artepe and Akeyulerre. Anwerne introducing a selection of powerful First where we walk as equals. dancing, joining in with both the people – privileging their voice, their Nations people we really ingkerreke apurte irretyeke apmere Nations and non-Indigenous voices to Where reconciliation is not kangaroo and emu dances. ideas, their leadership above his felt it in our hearts and we nhenhele iwerre nthenhele alhetyeke share their views on Reconciliation. own. He stepped back, allowing First just a word and a day in Children’s Ground Chairperson will carry it with us. It was angkerretyeke ingwenthe (We all get Nations people to step forward and Felicity Hayes, Apmereke-artweye the calendar. But where we William Tilmouth, spoke of the a real privilege to host him together to talk about the future of this assert how they want to address the (Traditional Owner) and Senior enduring legacies of colonisation land and which way we’re going) was reconcile the trauma and human rights issues they face. on Arrernte Country.” Arrernte Educator at Ampe-kenhe and dispossession and of the racism, Veronica Turner, Governance Committee an important gathering of both First atrocities of the past and Ahelhe (Children’s Ground) welcomed inequity and trauma that so many The proceedings were closed with a and Senior Arrernte Educator Nations and non-First Nations people celebrate our shared future the crowd to Arrernte Country: “We First Nations peoples continue to Healing Reconciliation Ceremony hosted living in Mparntwe. . It was an incredible show of never gave up our land! We are still and knowledge ” face every day. He also spoke of our by Akeyulerre, where First Nations and William Tilmouth, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe commitment to healing and We wanted to show the wider the custodians and the caretakers. We responsibility to get things right for non-First Nations people joined hands Chairperson moving forward in the community community our strength & leadership have always been here as Arrernte the next generation to ensure they to walk through ceremonial smoke of Mparntwe to see so many First as First Nations people — to respect people for many generations.” She also Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Director and grow up to enjoy a different future, together. In our culture, smoking is Nations and non-First Nations people Elders and celebrate children. reiterated the need for social cohesion Senior Cultural Advisor MK Turner “one where tolerance and dignity is used for healing. It heals you. It heals gathered together for this momentous in Mparntwe, “As Arrernte people, paid homage to the Stolen Generation, the norm for all”. your worries. It helps to keep your spirit We were honoured to be joined by occasion. We are grateful to the we have both Aboriginal and non- recognising the significance of strong. This Reconciliation smoking Martin Luther King III, his wife Arndrea To close a morning of powerful schools who brought children to the Aboriginal people from different nations Telegraph Station as the site of the ceremony will keep our community and daughter Yolanda as part of their speeches, our special guest Martin event; to the First Nations students of living on these lands. I would like to Bungalow, where Aboriginal children of Mparntwe strong. It was really visit to Arrernte Country, supported by Luther King III shared his thoughts on St Joseph’s for running the BBQ and see Mparntwe as a place that knows its were placed after being stolen from special to see lots of First Nations our key partner Igniting Change. Reconciliation and human rights for food station; to Light Warrior for the history; a place of safety and inclusion; their families in the 1930s. and non-Indigenous people from the First Nations people in Australia: “You food; to CAAMA (Central Australian It was great to see other community a place that represents the spirit of community engaging in the smoking Representatives from the Arrernte are a great country, but you can only Aboriginal Media Association) for leaders in attendance including Reconciliation where all of us walk together as one: Traditional Owners Grandmothers group spoke become truly great when you treat doing the sound production; and to Acting Assistant Police Commissioner together, from all cultures with respect.” with Police Officers; non-Indigenous strongly about children and culture, your fellow human beings with dignity, all who participated, listened and Michael White, Acting Commander Primary School students with our Both First Nations and non-Indigenous followed by Children’s Commissioner respect and love.” learned from Arrernte people at this Southern Command Bradley Currie, ampe akweke mape (children); young children were invited to present the Colleen Gwynne. momentous event. Children’s Commissioner Colleen people and Elders. It was a strong Elders in the crowd with a bundle of Gwynne, who also spoke on the day, show of commitment to healing and Utnerrenge to celebrate the connection and Deputy Mayor of Alice Springs moving forward in Mparntwe. between children and Elders. Jamie Brenni. 46 47 “Apmerele anwerne atnyeneme arne ingkerrenyeke anthurre. Angkentye, apmere, arne, thipe merne putye-arenye arlke. Ampe anwerne-kenhe areye impene anthurre itne aneme. Ampe akweke nhenhe areyele alhenke-areme, apmere nthenhe itnekenhe.” Leonie Palmer, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Co-director
“Identity is the most important thing for our kids. It is connected to everything: the language, the land, the trees, the birds, the fruit and
48 48 all the bush tucker.” 49 Stronger Communities for Children Thank you
Andrena Webb and Jacinta Bush lead a community planning session with girls and young women in Atitjere
Ampe Anwernekenhe Rlterrke Kele Mwerre Ingkerre Atnyenetyeke In July this year, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe In Atitjere, the governance committee Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe came to These people and organisations have began working with families at is supporting the Youth Sport and Rec life because of the generosity backed us, they have believed in us and Engawala and Atitjere as a partner in program as well as health, wellbeing and leadership of philanthropy. now, together, we are leading the way. the Stronger Communities for Children and safety activities. The committee Throughout 2018 we have continued We have waited for Government (SCfC) program. SCfC is a community is still planning for what other to exist because of the innovation support for so long; for them to believe development program funded by the community-led programs they want to of philanthropy, a donation from that First Nations people can actually federal government where local First see in Atitjere into the future. Centrecorp, community support, do this. In 2018, we received our Nations people are the ones to decide our volunteers and our partners. Our “In Atitjere, we are calling SCfC Ampe first Government funding in Central what they want to see happen for their philanthropic supporters who have Anwernkenhe Rlterrke Ingkerre Australia from the Department of children and families. Ampe-kenhe made Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe possible are: Atnyenetyeke, which means Keeping Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Ahelhe is working with decision-making all our Children Strong. PMF Foundation, Third Link, The Brunner Department of Health. We are so happy groups in each community, supporting Family, Igniting Change, English Family to have the Australian Government Supporters: Project 1 Million, Youthworx, local people to make decisions over We want to see change in our Foundation, Limb Family Foundation, partnering with us now. Kogo, Deborah Wilson, Louise Dorrat, what services and programs they want communities. We have talked about “Our families are all connected Helen Miller, Paul and Jane Hallam, Virgin Unite, Johnson & Johnson Family We are just at the beginning. More in their communities. what we want to see for Atitjere, we Helen Fitzgerald, Lauriston Girls College, and although our languages of Companies, Ramses Foundation, families want to be involved and we have talked about what we are worried Light Warrior Both communities are part of the differ, we all understand each Ryan Cooper Family Foundation, Gandel need to keep building our funding so about and we have talked about new Arrernte Nation: Engawala is the Philanthropy, Ian Potter Foundation, we can do this important work. Volunteers: Lilly Favrel, Mairead Murphy, ideas to support our children, young other. We want to make this traditional country of our Chair, William Centrecorp Foundation, John and Caitlin Anderson, Kristen Wormald, Lyn people and families. work for families as strong We invite new people to come and take Tilmouth, and Atitjere is the traditional Myriam Wylie Foundation, Beverley and Geoff Price, Emily Ades, Cara Nolan, as we can.” this journey with us, walk with us and country of MK Turner, one of our senior We want people to realise we are Jackson Foundation, The Rogers Dom Mercuri, Patch Pheasant, Stef MK Turner, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Co-director join our family. local Directors. doing this for our little kids, as they are Family, Collier Charitable Fund, The Fernandez, Rachel Powell, Diane DeVere Bonnici Family, John and Betty Laidlaw growing, and it’s important. We want Key organisations we work with: In Engawala, the governance Legacy, The Yanni Sarantis Legacy, Friends : Apmere Angkentye-kenhe, them to carry it on, to be the leaders Akeyulerre, Arrernte Language Centre, committee is funding a playgroup The Duggan Foundation, Orloff Family In My Blood it Runs the film, Rachel and to pass it on to the next generation Batchelor Institute, Lhere Artepe for children aged 0-5 and their Charitable Trust, Australian Communities Edwardson, Jan Owen, Dave Nixon, when we are all gone. Aboriginal Corporation, Lhere Artepe families. The playgroup runs 4 days a Foundation - Clive St Fund & Juno Fund, Pat Cash, Black Rock Band, Yarrenyty Enterprises, Tangentyere Council, week from the Women’s Centre and Children’s Ground is helping us to build JB Davros Family Foundation, Paul & Arltere Artists, Mike Bowden, Sean Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, employs a local First Nations educator it up to make this program stronger. We Jane Hallam, Ausmed Education, Sidney Bowden, David Woods, Rod Moss, Red Cross, Anglicare, Connected as part of delivery. hope things will be starting to happen.” Myer Fund, Social Garden, Jessie Street Mary Flynn, Rhett Hammerton, Julia Beginnings, Purple House, Alice Springs Trust, The Banks Brown Family Mitchell and everyone who has given Andrena Webb, Arrernte educator and Language Centre, St. Joseph’s Flexible their support, time and skills to walk decision-making group member, Atitjere. Learning Centre, Larapinta Child and with us on this journey so far. 50 Family Centre, Yipirinya School 51 Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe Children’s Ground Staff 2018 Alison Alison Amanda
Angelina Anna Anna Maria Annette Ash Ava
Beth Bethan Blanche Brushy Caitlin Cathy
Crissy Dave Diane D Diane W Dom Dulcie
Dulcie Emma Felicity Greg Jane Janine
Jen Kaylene Leonie P Leonie S Lilly Lorrayne
Marita Marlene Mel MK Nookie Noreen
Mparntwe 5 Bloomfield St, Alice Springs PO Box 140 | Alice Springs, NT 0871 +61 (0)417 257 198 Melbourne Noreen Rachel Roxanne Sam Shirley Shon 2/10 Hoddle St | Abbotsford | VIC | 3067 +61 (0)447 903 084 Email [email protected] Visit childrensground.org.au Donate childrensground.org.au/donations
facebook.com/childrensgroundaus instagram.com/childrensground Siobhan Stef Therese Tiff Veronica Yvette twitter.com/ChildrensGround 52 “Anwerne apmere-ke ahentye aneme ampe akweke anwerne-kenhe areye mwerre anetyeke. Itne amagketyeke rlterrke, akaltye irremele educationeke, ante future mwerre atnyenetyeke Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe apmere mwerre itne aneme. Anwerne areme ampe anwerne-kenhe areye akaltye irrerlenge. Itneke artweye mape itneke itwerle akarelheme. Anwerne ahentye aneme itne mwerre akwete anetyeke.” Lorrayne Gorey, Governance Committee and Senior Arrernte Educator
We want a place where our children are safe – where they can grow up to be healthy, educated and have a better future. Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe is the place for them. We are seeing our kids learning
and loving to learn. Their families are walking beside them. We have hope for the future. 54