Rabbit Proof Fence Guest Speaker

In English, our Year 9.2 and 9.3 students have been studying the text “Rabbit Proof Fence” by Doris Pilkington Garimara.

To give students not only a better understanding but also a unique perspective of the Stolen Generation, The English department organised a guest speaker. On Tuesday Week 9 students attended a discussion and talk hosted by Neil Coyne from NITV’s Noongar Dandjoo and Noongar Radio.  Neil spoke in detail about his childhood, in particular how he was taken from his family in Nangarup and made to live on a mission and then through foster care. He spoke about his experiences and the challenges he faced living away from his family and in care. He then spoke about his experiences about being reunited with his family and reconnecting with his heritage after he felt his cultural identity was stolen from him from the age of six.
 
This presentation was an excellent opportunity for students to gain a firsthand account of some of the challenges and hardship that Aboriginal people have experiences throughout time, whilst also extending their knowledge of Aboriginal history and culture. Neil also let students in on the secrets of the Wrestling Entertainment World, which many students found exciting and interesting!