35 Koori young people from Melbourne’s west graduated from the 2014 Bulldogs’ Nallei Jerring program at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Bulldogs’ Director, Kylie Watson Wheeler along with the Andrew Jackomos, the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, were on hand to present the graduates with their certificates and Bulldogs indigenous round jumpers.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Koori young people throughout 2014 where they have explored their Aboriginal culture and identity.
The program incorporated seven experiential workshops including visits to the You Yangs, Bunjilaka Cultural Centre, Victoria University Whitten Oval and the AFL indigenous round.
Supported by their families and program partners, over 130 people attended the Nallei Jerring graduation ceremony ahead of the Bulldogs’ clash against Sydney.
The event was hosted by Marngrook Footy Show regular, Leila Gurriwiwi with Dogs’ indigenous duo, Liam Jones & Koby Stevens sending their support through a video message.
Program participants Makayla, Samuel and Jeremiah made speeches about their personal experiences in the program and how it has helped them to better understand and engage with their identity and culture.
The 2014 Nallei Jerring program was supported by a range of Indigenous organisations and role models including the Commission for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Department of Justice Koori Justice Unit, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development, Catholic Education Office, Victoria Police, the Gathering Place, Footy Almanac, Footys for All and Geotech.
A selection of the young people’s reflections on their experiences in the program will be published in the 2014 Footy Almanac later in the year.
