The Canberra Institute of Technology’s (CIT) dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educational Centre of Excellence, the Yurauna Centre, is to host NAIDOC Week celebrations this year on Thursday 17 October.
With the support of the CIT’s Student Association (CITSA), the Centre will feature dancing, singing and traditional performances by students and CIT Teacher, Chaydin Reid.
Director of Yurauna, Caroline Hughes said the CIT NAIDOC Week celebrations provided an opportunity for the community to come together to learn about and acknowledge the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Ms Hughs said that as part of the celebrations, CIT Yurauna graduate Papunya Connors would share her journey from being exposed to the impacts of addictions and mental health issues on the well-being of her community.
“This experience led her to pursue a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215) and a Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) at CIT,” Ms Hughs said.
“She is now following her passion; contributing to the wellbeing of the Ngunnawal community and the potential of its youth,” she said.
“Ms Connors is a 2019 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year finalist and the recipient of the 2018 ACT Health NAIDOC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award.”
Ms Hughes, a Ngunnawal Elder, said she was engaged in efforts to preserve and increase knowledge of Indigenous languages from around Australia.
She said, Yurauna celebrates NAIDOC week in October as the national celebrations which take plain in July coincide with CIT’s semester break.
