Wow – You have come up with so many great ideas in response to these topics. I really like your link between people and their environment – it makes so much sense that if we know about our land we will respect our culture and environment so much more. You are also right that past experiences make us strong – if we can keep surviving through tough times, we learn that we CAN do it. As you say, love from family is also a great help in forming our identities. Stories that inspire us are the ones that we always remember. These stories have great humanity and they build empathy in us – these are fantastic points which you have made!!!

Your messages for living a good life are extremely practical – thank you 7R1.

Lizzie Chase
Rap Coordinator

This is what we came up with in response to the readings:

Why do we need to know our land and people?
*so we know our environment
*gives people a sense of belonging about where we come from
*so we respect our culture land and past

What makes us Strong?
*love from our family
*regular exercise
*past experiences

What do we value?
*people who have helped us throughout our journeys
*our family and friends

What stories should be told?
*Stories about our past and whats predicted for the future
*Stories that inspire us
*Stories of humanity, equity, and empathy

We believe that living a good life involves:
*stressfree
*leisure
*family
*friends
*exercise
*money
*eating healthy
*positivity

It is absolutely fantastic that one of your grandparent’s relatives made a successful land claim – brilliant! I also like your idea about finding out all you can about your family history.

Your messages for living a good life are very wise, Bianca. I agree that it is great to listen to someone like a mum who knows us really well, then sometimes we go on to make up our own minds because some decisions have to be made alone.

As you say, our family IS our cultural background and affects us deeply. You sound like a very thoughtful and kind person – all the best!

Lizzie Chase
Rap Coordinator

Excellent effort! Even though I don’t know you, I feel as if I am learning so much about you all. It is great to hear about your backgrounds. I too come from two cultures ,- an Aboriginal dad, and a non-Aboriginal mum. Always remember how important it is to value and respect both your cultures equally. Try to take the best from both to guide the person you would like to be.

I have a special connection with the Bundjalung nation… they are my people. If you are of Aboriginal heritage, it is good to try to learn some of the Dreaming stories of your people, they are beautiful, and the ‘lore stories’ help us to live the good way. It also makes you proud to be able to share those stories with your non-Aboriginal friends.

Your list of “important things” is bugal (good). You are all getting excellent advice from wise people. It would have been great to be there and listen in on the conversations you have been having together, and the good advice you have been sharing.

Bugal wahn (good work)

Maureen Wenzel
Rap coordinator

You have done so much thinking about why we need to know where are from and your messages for a good life are very interesting. As you say, it is really important for us to be able to know where we come from and where we are headed.

I’m struck by these ideas which you have listed – they are lessons I will pass on to people.
* Focus on the job you want – work comes before success!
* Never let the family down.
* Tell your parents where you are going.

You have had some great advice from the adults in your life! Thanks for sharing.

Lizzie Chase
Rap Coordinator

This is our response for Rap Point 1. We have put some of our own answers together for you to read.

Why is it important to know about your own identity or culture?
• It is important that you know where your family comes from and where the last place was that they lived. My dad is Aboriginal and my mum is white. They were both born in Australia. Dad went To Toronto High School and Mum went to Cardiff.
• It is very important to know where you and your family come from. It helps explain who you are where you come from and your heritage. My dad is Aboriginal and my mum is white. They are two different people in many ways. My dad was born in NSW and my mum was born in Perth (Western Australia).
• It is important to know your heritage. I don’t think about it much but one day I will!!!
• Why it is important to know our culture? Because: you will know who you are. And you will feel free and you will know where you are going in life. And you will also know where you have been in life.

You have the rights to know about were you come from and how you are?
• My family background is really important to me and it makes me happy to know who I am and I love to know who I am because my family comes from two tribes. One tribe is the Bundjalung, Bundjalung. Bundjalung is a place where you can go and you can always play and go as far as you want to go. The other part of me is my Nana’s side. She comes from Kempsey.
• It is important to know our culture because we will know who we are, were we fit in and where we don’t. We will know where we are heading in life and we will know what we are going to do for a living. It is also important because we will not know who we are and it may feel embarrassing.

What is an important thing someone has told you that has helped you in your life?
• My best advice is from my dad that you should always listen to the Awabakal People and do not go where ever you want with out telling your parents. Don’t take your life too far when you are just a kid.
• The best advice my dad has ever gave me is that you should always stay a distance away from a fire, oven and all hot things that you can burn yourself on.
• Believe in my family – never let down the family.
• The best advice I have been given in my life is: focus on what job I want when I am young and then I can achieve anything.
• The best advice I have been given is, When you run, pace bigger steps – not smaller – because you will trip over yourself, and when you write do not tilt to the right tilt to the left.
• My best advice from my mum is to always be polite and nice to other people.
• My mother said once that I need to focus on my maths so I tried hard, I reached my goal and I never gave up.
• Work comes before success, not the other way!

From Biraban 5/6P

Your Circle Time sounded great, with lots of discussion. I really loved your comment about families making you strong, … especially strong in the heart. Sometimes we focus on other things, and forget about keeping our hearts strong. Deadly work! I look forward to reading more.

Maureen Wenzel
Rap coordinator

Your mind map is fabulous, great stuff! Keep up the good work.

Maureen Wenzel
Rap coordinator

Thank you for sending the great mindmap you made for Rap Point 1. I’ve posted the image to the Gallery. Just remember to scroll down, and then please click on the small image to see a larger size.

Regards, Mr McLean
Penrith PS