Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Workshop 2025
On Monday 7 July 2025, a group of St Mark’s parishioners attended for the first time a cultural awareness workshop conducted at Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre in Inala. The workshop was organised by the parish’s Care and Outreach Ministry and its RAP Working Group. The aim of the workshop was to gain an understanding and respect for the culture and values of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as to promote reconciliation and partnership.
Marlon Riley spoke on Dreamtime stories where we learnt of the deep spiritual connection between Aboriginal people, their land and all living things. Moral lessons, social rules and kinship systems also provide guidance to Aboriginal people in their daily lives.
We went on a short walkabout with Brian Whap who spoke on the culture and spirituality of the Torres Strait Islander people. Their culture is deeply connected to the land, sea and sky. Of core values are family, community and respect for elders. Christianity was first introduced in the mid-1871 by missionaries of the London Missionary Society (LMS).
The workshop provided the parishioners with a much clearer understanding and appreciation of the cultures of the First Nations people. New friendships and connections were formed which will assist St Mark’s parish achieve its RAP goals.
