Northcliffe District High School celebrates Aboriginal heritage with art project

The Northcliffe community has taken on the effort of rectifying the small town’s lack of Aboriginal representation through a collaboration initiative between school students and First Nations people. As part of Northcliffe District High School’s ongoing cultural awareness program and commitment to Reconciliation, a year-long project was established to give students opportunities to explore cultural awareness and diversity. The project recently culminated in the creation of six beautiful banners depicting the Noongar seasons, which now grace the front entrance the Northcliffe District High School. The banners were designed by the school students and beautifully painted by Wardandi/Bibbulmum Noongar Natalie Clark. The talented artist from Djarliny Designs in Dunsborough said she was very privileged to be a part of this in collaboration with the students. “As a local community project based around the Noongar Six Seasons I loved the idea of involving the children in this knowledge sharing as the seasonal calendar highlights the natural indicators that guide the transition between seasons,” she said. “Preserving seasonal knowledge is vital as it ensures that we remain consciously aware of our own environmental footprint and remain committed to providing the perfect conditions for Mother Earth to thrive and to supply life for all future generations. “After assisting with this project, the children should be proud of their involvement and their significant place within this cycle.” Ms Clark has a connection to the Northcliffe area through her family tree of the Hill and Issacs line, and is a direct descendant from Samuel Isaacs, who famously saved many lives from the S.S Georgette in 1876. “The majority of my artwork is commissioned both nationally and internationally which is an honour, however, it is always the greatest privilege to be given an opportunity to paint and have my works displayed on my traditional lands,” she said. The project was supported by the entire local community, including the Northcliffe Community Development committee, the Shire of Manjimup, NDHS principal Suzanne Fisher and staff members, IGA Pemberton, Southern Forest Arts, the P&C Committee, several Northcliffe community members, and the students themselves through the 2022 Readathon fundraising drive. Parents and Citizens’ president Nicole Sinclair said the project was a resounding success and has garnered some fantastic, positive feedback. “There is a collective sense of pride around it,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity for our school community to collaborate with a range of First Nations people, from toddlers through to elders.” Ms Sinclair said until now, Northcliffe had lacked an obvious representation of the presence of Aboriginal people and a visual acknowledgement that they have lived here for many thousands of years. “The banners rectify this,” she said. “They are a celebration of the enduring presence of First Nations people in our area.”