NCNS was incredibly excited the launch our new culture and creative arts program, Nations In Cultural Exchange (NICE) at the beginning of this month. This program is facilitated by Jie Pittman, who belongs to the Darug, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Kooma & Ngemba Nations. Jie is committed to sharing culture with Western Sydney communities and has done so for over 20 years. He currently manages his schools “Liven Deadly Program” and supports over 500 Indigenous students a week sharing Aboriginal Culture and a look at the Music, Film and Television Industries he has been employed in as a professional.
The NICE program aims to strengthen the relationship and faith of indigenous youth and families in culture and its practices. It will also incorporate hip hop, culture, film and music for Aboriginal young people aged between 11 and 18 years old.
For its launch Jie set up a yarning circle and everyone who was there was invited into the circle. The yarning circle was used as a meet and greet to find out who we all were and where we were from. This is always interesting as you could be sitting with a potential relative. Jie asked 5 questions and what he is preparing you for is that you are learning how to do an Acknowledgment to Country.
The second week participants wrote something about themselves; where they are from, what school they go to, what they love about their culture, what does NAIDOC Day meant to them and what is the meaning of NAIDOC Day. After this they had to start rhyming about themselves, which became the beginning of their rap. They also watched hip hop videos that other schools have put together which inspired the students to create a cool verse themselves.
This program will continue to run in term 4 from 22nd October to 3rd December 2020. If you would like more information on this program please contact Bronwyn on 02 4706 0280 or 0439 455 139