
Rotary Group Study Exchange Student visits 6EBA !
2008-11-03 01:51:39 WST
By Dani Cinnamon, Maylands
During late October, we were lucky enough to
have Niki Cleary visit the 6EBA studios.
Niki is taking part in the Rotary Group Study Exchange which sees people from different cultures and countries meet up with others in their profession whilst developing professional and leadership skills and travelling the world.
Niki is a member of the Tulalip people of north west USA, living in a reservation that truly looks after the welfare of the people who live there.
I was fascinated as she told me the history of her tribe and the many changes and challenges that have occurred for her people since the colonisation of her country. As well as being a gifted speaker, Niki is a reporter with the team that produces KANU TV, a 24-hour 7 days a week television service for the Tulalip tribe. She also has extensive knowledge of the cedar. This tree has been used by her people throughout their history, providing clothing, building materials, canoes and much more. Niki has been studying the craft for 4 years and still considers herself to be a novice!
Coming to Australia has opened her eyes in more ways than one. Looking at the situation that Australia’s Aboriginals find themselves in, she notes that we are many years behind the forward thinking that her own tribe has embraced, working with other native American tribes to deliver both cultural and academic education to their people. What is important to note is that the Tulalip people fund themselves through wise investment, taking on the job of educating and supporting the people that the US Federal government should be financing.
To read more please go to the Senior's page on this website..........