SEVERAL Maam Giingana Gumbaynggirr (MGG) students began their school year in Aotearoa New Zealand on Wednesday, 28 January.
MGG students were joined by the local Gumbaynggirr Giingan Yiiliwiyay Girrwaa Dance Troupe in an immersion language field trip overseas.
Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) staff members, dancers, MGG students and parents previously travelled to Akerama to visit Māori schools and take part in cultural ceremonies.
During the trip, organized by BMNAC, the troupe will visit Maori immersion and bilingual schools and participate in events that commemorate the Tiriti O’ Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), New Zealand’s founding document.
The treaty was signed by more than 500 Maori Chiefs and the British Crown on 6 February 1840.
In 2026, the treaty marks 186 years, and BMNAC CEO Clark Webb says that the Gumbaynggirr girrwaa (mob) are honoured to be invited to participate in treaty commemorations once again.
“Considering the current NZ government’s attempt to wind back key provisions of the tiriti it is important that we demonstrate our solidarity with our Maori whanau, especially in terms of the Te Reo Maori language renaissance,” Mr Webb said.
MGG Language Director Ellie Buchanan was delighted with the first day at school for the MGG students who are members of the dance troupe.
She said, “We’re very excited for our students’ opportunity to engage in Maori immersion education and tiriti commemorations.
“Our children can use their new learnings to drive and shape the future of MGG, immersed in Gumbaynggirr language, culture and worldview.”
Students spent the first day of school at Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa, which began as a small community school in 1985.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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