Narragunnawali
The RAP Action group is called Narragunnawali which means “Alive, wellbeing, coming together” in the Ngunnawal language. The Narragunnawali Mob seeks to create an environment where the community experiences indigenous Australian culture and gives opportunity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to celebrate their heritage, to highlight positive experiences, acknowledge the past and develop relationships with the local Ngunnawal people. The Narragunnawali Mob is also known by its shorter name, the Merici Mob. We welcome students to become a member of the Merici Mob and celebrate many events throughout the year, such as NAIDOC Week, National Close the Gap Day and Reconciliation Week.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
In July 2023 Merici College launched our official Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This document outlines our vision for Reconciliation in our school, and includes a range of goals for relationships in the classroom, around the school and with the community. Creating a RAP was part of the Merici College Strategic Plan for 2022-2024.
This year we have prioritised Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week with lessons, assemblies and activities available to all students. We are building relationships with Ngunnawal Elders and other key contacts so we can deliver First Nations content to students from a First Nations voice.
Our Vision
Merici College is committed to continuing to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into classes and wider school environments and events. Our vision for reconciliation is that we not only integrate a focus on First Nations histories and cultures because of curriculum and legislative requirements, but because we genuinely understand, acknowledge and respect the living cultures of those who have been on Ngunnawal Land for thousands of years.
Using the Reconciliation Action Plan as our guide, we aim to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families feel a sense of belonging at the school and are afforded equal and equitable opportunities to engage with culture and Country, and with culturally responsive learning experiences.
We want all students to learn not only about the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation, but also about the resilience and the unique and continuing cultures and contributions First Peoples have to offer. Students should all have opportunities to respectfully engage in this learning in and out of the classroom; to learn on Country and about how to serve Country; and to actively listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives.
Our Acknowledgement of Country
As members of the Merici College community, we would like to acknowledge the living culture of the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we meet, and we recognise any families who have connections to this Land.
We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise the stories that have been passed down for thousands of years to educate and inspire generations to come.
We appreciate the significance of connection to Country and all that the Ngunnawal people have continued to do to preserve the Land that the foundations of Merici are built on.
We aim to strive for reconciliation and justice in all we do, say and are as a Merici College community and beyond. – Written by Merici Mob 2023
Contact: Miss Alyssa Markmann, Contact Teacher for First Nations Students, email: alyssa.markmann@merici.act.edu.au.
