First Nations babies born in the past two years will be able to be welcomed into the community with a Welcome Baby to Country ceremony by Njernda Aboriginal Corporation on Wednesday, October 12.
Aboriginal best start and early years data co-ordinator Leona Cooper said Burrai Gulpa Gaka Woka (Welcome Baby to Country) was a meaningful and powerful way to receive babies into the community.
“We started doing the Welcome to Country in 2018, and we hold them every two years,” Ms Cooper said.
“We already have more than 50 children eligible to take part in this year’s ceremony.
“Typically, we welcome children who were born within the previous two-year period, but we would take into consideration any children who may have been missed along the way.”
Ms Cooper said that for Yorta Yorta kids, the ceremony was about introducing them to Mob.
She said that for children not from the area, the ceremony was a way of blessing and welcoming kids into the community.
“It’s a beautiful and strong way to establish a sense of belonging for children and families, regardless of where they’ve come from,” she said.
Uncle Rick Ronnan will perform the smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country on the day.
Aunty Vicki Walker will be the MC for the ceremony, and children from Berrimba Childcare Centre will open the event with a traditional Koori dance and song in Yorta Yorta languages.
A group of Elders will do the official Burrai Gulpa Gaka Woka and present the children with a special certificate and gifts, such as a didgeridoo, clapsticks and coolamons.
The children will also have the opportunity to get their picture taken wrapped in a possum skin cloak.
The totem for Yorta Yorta people is the long-neck turtle, and Turtles Australia will be there with a turtle display, which is really special.
The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 12 from 10am to 2pm at Radcliffe’s, Echuca.
Bookings are essential and must be made by Friday, September 30. Phone Leona Cooper on 0400 354 480 or Renee on 0428 536 567 to make a booking.