Miriam Rose, an Aboriginal elder from Nowyou, delivered the inaugural Indigenous oration at Deakin University. The event began with an acknowledgment of the Wadawurrung people as the traditional custodians of the land where Deakin's campuses are located. Miriam Rose highlighted the importance of respecting the land and its history.
Miriam Rose is a renowned artist, activist, writer, and public speaker. She has a strong connection to education and was the Northern Territory's first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher. She advocated for art to be included in every child's education and pursued her own education at Deakin University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education from Deakin.
Throughout her life, Miriam Rose has been dedicated to maintaining the cultural independence of her people. She established the Miriam Rose Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on empowering Indigenous youth through education, art, culture, and opportunities.
During the oration, Miriam Rose shared stories of her upbringing, including being raised by her uncle, who was a police tracker, and her aunt, who became like a second mother to her. She emphasized the importance of cultural traditions and the support she received from her family and community.
Miriam Rose also discussed her journey through education, from her early years to her time at Deakin University. She highlighted the significance of institutions like Bachelor Institute and Deakin in Indigenous education and empowerment.
The conversation touched on the importance of acknowledging ancestors and drawing strength from them, as well as the role of culture and education in Indigenous communities.
Overall, Miriam Rose's Indigenous oration at Deakin University celebrated her life's journey, her commitment to education and culture, and her tireless efforts to empower Indigenous youth. It served as a reminder of the significance of reconciliation and the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous voices and perspectives.
