Culture Day at Tagai

Thursday 14th September was Culture Day at Tagai Secondary Campus with activities that included a yarning circle (story telling), singing, weaving, dancing, art displays and a traditional feast - big kai kai.

This is Torres Strait culture at its best and Auntie Lizzie and the team at the Language and Culture Centre worked hard to prepare for the day. They organised food and volunteers to prepare and cook the feast, they organised local craftspeople and elders to run the various craft and cultural activities. And they worked very very hard to train both students and staff in ilan dancing which was the main entertainment on the day.

Island elder Uncle Signess Weriat opens Culture Day with a traditional welcome

Weaving with Auntie Lizzie

Auntie Tamie and primary school children. She has an amazing voice and was one of the island soloists in the Ailan Kores earlier this year.

Elders and the Yarning circle. The Language and Culture Centre is the white building on the left with the large deck.

More story telling with Auntie Lizzie. Lizzie was also one of the members of Ailan Kores and accompanied Tamie to sing an island hymn - they are sisters-in-law.



Well ... it is culture somewhere :-)

Many hands make light work in the Home Ec kitchen

Setting the table for big kai kai

And enjoying big kai kai

Students were assessed on their dancing. Language and Culture is a subject at Tagai.

Male teachers under the guidance of Richard - front left with the red garland - they bought the house down! Richard is from one of the outer islands and is the Language and Culture teacher at Tagai.



Female staff with Auntie Lizzie - front, yellow flowers. I'm in the back row, second left with the pink/purple flowers. We made our own dresses- I finished mine at 11pm Wednesday night, the night before .... sort of a last minute thing :-)

Culture Day was the last day of the school calendar. And what a way to finish off a very busy and full term for both teachers, students and staff.

This was my first term at Tagai as Public Relations Officer - I loved it :-) My days are full, varied and interesting. I can't wait to get back and hit the ground running for Term 4. How many more sleeps?

Life is good :-)