Smoke Ceremony at the Local Preschool

On Monday 17 June, four girls from the Student RAP Committee were invited to The East Sydney Early Learning Centre on Bourke St to take part in a Smoking Ceremony. Raymond, the Aboriginal Elder leading the Ceremony, taught us all about the significance of how it is used as a spiritual connection.

The younger kids were slightly less involved but enjoyed it just as much. While the smoking was taking place, he taught us a fire song. He told us that this song is sung to make the fire last longer. One of the interesting things he told us about the Smoking Ceremony is that fire in his language is wii and because his People’s language is verbal you can spell it how you want.

At the conclusion of the Ceremony, Raymond buried the fire and talked to the younger kids about how the spirits will always remain at the Learning Centre. We interpreted it as him leaving it behind so it will never be forgotten just like his culture will never be forgotten. We said goodbye to our little friends and went back to school with a smoky scent in our hair and on our clothes. After this special experience we will always remember the strong Indigenous culture and the spirits that guide us each and every day.

Charlotte Randall, Annabelle Dempsey and Matilda Tatlow
Year 6 Student RAP Committee Members