The soil beneath my feet, is the same soil the Elders once stood upon. The wind echoes their whispers, telling their stories, dancing their dances, and exploring the land they still called home.
This soil isn’t just what lies beneath my feet, this soil lives, breathes, and follows the years of traditions alongside the Elders.
These same Elders once taught, learnt, and shared on this soil beneath my feet. The soil we use now to share their stories, remember their bravery, and uphold the legacies they built while learning their way of life.
The sophisticated agriculture systems working in their natural rhythms to form the land and shape this country.
This soil, once Terra Nullius, unrightfully claimed, now bringing people together and sharing the battles fought by those who came before us, bringing stewardship upon this soil.
Through the spirit of these Elders we unite on Dharug Country.
People's Choice
The Soil Beneath My Feet
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Artist: Charlotte K. (year 9)
Artist statement...
My poem is about the soil we live on being the very same soil our Elders also once stood upon and owned. In my poem I reflect on how our Elders once lived and how we follow their traditions and way of life. Through the repetition of soil I show how we feed connection, sharing stories and songs on the same soil our Elders have been telling stories and signing songs for hundreds of thousands of years before us.
My poem is about the soil we live on being the very same soil our Elders also once stood upon and owned. In my poem I reflect on how our Elders once lived and how we follow their traditions and way of life. Through the repetition of soil I show how we feed connection, sharing stories and songs on the same soil our Elders have been telling stories and signing songs for hundreds of thousands of years before us.
Reconciliation means...
… reflecting on the treatment of Aboriginal peoples and coming together as a nation to ensure that what occurred in the past never happens again.