Shooting Stars staff members Helen Ockerby and Rose Whitau have returned to Western Australia, after attending and presenting at the World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education (WIPCE).
The pair presented Shooting Stars’ world first ‘Yarning Circles’ method, a unique longitudinal study designed specifically for the program, at the conference in Toronto, Canada last week.
Whitau said the conference was unlike anything she had attended previously.
“There was a real focus on cultural sharing and relationship building,” Whitau said.
“The small talk wasn’t small, you felt like people were genuinely interested in who you were and where you came from.”
“Listening to chiefs from around the world present their ideas on Indigenous leadership and reconciliation was a once in a lifetime experience.”
Sentiments echoed by Ockerby.
“To be part of a worldwide conference that focused on progression through culture and knowledge, and how it’s implemented and directed in education and various pathways from an indigenous perspective that had a lot of heart and soul, was truly inspiring,” Ockerby said.
“I continue to feel privileged to be part of the experience and I know it’s had a profound effect on how I move forward as a person, and how I move forward in working towards greater outcomes and visions.”
Whitau and Ockerby both attended a number of sessions, before presenting on the Yarning Circles method, which was well received.
“The presentation went really well,” Ockerby said.
“We had questions, so that was a great indication that people were interested.”
“On the way out people were saying what a great job we were doing, so hopefully that opens up more communication lines.”
Whitau said she was eager to embed some of the ideas from the conference into the Shooting Stars program.
“We are excited to adapt and implement some of the great new ideas within the Shooting Stars program,” she said.
The Yarning Circles serve a dual purpose, enabling the evaluation of the progress and efficacy of the program, and providing a platform for communities and participants to drive the direction of their local program by creating activities that directly influence outcomes.
Repeated each year, the Yarning Circles will create a qualitative record of progress for all students.
Glass Jar Australia Chairperson Professor Colleen Hayward AM also attended the conference.
The next WIPCE will be held in Adelaide in 2020.
Shooting Stars would like to thank Community Partner Horizon Power for their support of the trip to the World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education.
