Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
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"Miriam advocates for experiences that allow Indigenous youth to learn to ‘walk in two worlds’, those being Aboriginal culture and mainstream Western culture. Her many contributions have greatly benefited both local Aboriginal and broader mainstream society in numerous ways."
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Dr. Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann
In 1975, Miriam became the Territory's first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher, holding the position of Art Consultant with the Professional Services Branch of the Northern Territory Department of Education. During this time, she visited schools throughout the Territory, thus gaining the opportunity to advance her commitment to the inclusion of visual art as a part of every child's education.
In 1993, Miriam was appointed principal at St. Francis Xavier School at Daly River. In 1998, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, for her services to Aboriginal education and art. In 2002, Miriam was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Northern Territory University, in recognition of her leadership and example in the fields of Aboriginal education and the visual arts, and for her contribution to the general community in the Northern Territory. In 2004, she was appointed to the now defunct Federal Government advisory body, the National Indigenous Council. In 2015, Miriam was one of four Northern Territory Finalists for the Australian of the Year Award. As well as being a committed and innovative educator, Miriam is a talented and accomplished artist who was an early experimenter with combining traditional techniques with western acrylics. She used art as a means of encouraging children to express themselves. Miriam advocates for experiences that allow Indigenous youth to learn to ‘walk in two worlds’, those being Aboriginal culture and mainstream Western culture. Her many contributions have greatly benefited both local Aboriginal and broader mainstream society in numerous ways. Miriam has set up the Miriam Rose Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation working to empower Indigenous youth through education, art, culture and opportunity. |
Pip Gordon
'Pip had an ‘epiphany moment’ when she realised the profound depth of knowledge held by Indigenous healing perspectives. Whilst studying for a Diploma in Community Recovery / Indigenous Studies, she also found her own sense of health and wellbeing gently facilitated. She came to understand how broader Australia lacked insight into addressing such societal issues as trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety and isolation.
Pip’s had been immersed in the corporate world - Professional Recruitment, business management, marketing and sales - but her attention now turned to community engagement and development. Pip became a co-founder of the WOW (Women Of the World) group in Coffs Harbour in 2011. She established a Social Enterprise, The Gathering Tree, as a collaboration hub for promoting projects brought to life out of the connections made through WOW. She helped empower other women to establish their own socially-focused businesses. In early 2014, Pip and her husband - and their two school-aged children - made the decision to step out of the ‘safety net’ of permanent employment to follow ‘their dreaming’ of travelling and working purposefully around Australia. Their intention is to ‘listen and learn’ from the expansiveness of this country and to the wisdom held by many Elders of all backgrounds. Pip’s journey has led to rich connections, including a friendship with Miriam Rose. Pip and Miriam have brought together women, men and children in Circle, to connect in their commonalities and explore what it means ‘to belong’. This is a gateway to deep personal and community healing… this is Reconciliation at work. Since being in the Northern Territory, Pip has been supporting organisations to introduce the concepts of ‘Sitting in Circle’ as a way to bring people from diverse backgrounds together to connect in commonality. Through the healing approach she has learnt, Pip aims to support people find their OWN way back to ‘deep inner listening’, self-reflection and purpose, and find their own sense of connection and belonging. >> Collaborators (2) |