Noosa District State High School Year 12 Social and Community Studies students have been delving into very important, topical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues this term, whilst considering a cultural event that showcases art as activism.
NDSHS Indigenous Liaison Officer Kajal Charlton joined the class this week to provide his insights and understanding of Indigenous issues, assisting the class with this term’s unit of work, Art in the Community.
Mr Charlton developed an instant rapport with the Year 12s.
He shared personal stories from his childhood, describing for the students what it was like to grow up with an Aboriginal dad and an Italian mum and the difficulties faced being the only “student of colour” in a large all-boys’ Brisbane private school.
Mr Charlton spoke to the students about his struggles with his identity and bullying at school.
“I told the kids at my school that I was Indian, because there were so many negative connotations associated with being Aboriginal,” Mr Charlton said.
Endemic racism in Australia was discussed, and Mr Charlton encouraged the students to consider ways to mitigate racist stereotypes and prejudice.
“I wish I could have been a proud Aboriginal as a kid, instead of carrying around a lot of shame and hiding who I am,” Mr Charlton said.
Year 12 student Luca Thomas enjoyed learning from Mr Charlton.
“Kajal is such an interesting guy who has a real knack for engaging and empowering those who are Indigenous as well as those who are not,” Luca said.
The students look forward to showcasing their new understandings of Aboriginal culture and identity through their cultural event this term.
