Hedland Senior High School Yarning Circle officially opened to foster judgment-free conversations

The unveiling of Hedland Senior High School’s yarning circle heralds a space for students to chat and learn more about Aboriginal culture. The yarning circle was created in collaboration with the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation’s Ready 2 Work program participants. “The meaning behind the yarning circle is to have a place to gather and hold meetings with one another,” AAC regional manager Christie Haynes said. Hedland SHS principal Mark Williams said the yarning circle was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties in the Hedland community. “Course participants from the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation gained their Cert II in Civil Construction through this project, which is absolutely fabulous for them,” he said. “It has been a wonderful experience to see the yarning circle built from the ground up, literally, and seeing those young men and women taking part in the construction of something that is culturally so important to not only our school, but to the wider community. “Having taught in a number of schools in the Pilbara and the Kimberley, the yarning circle, whether it’s something that’s purpose-built like what we have, or just someone drawing a circle with their foot, it’s a place where people talk about things between different mobs and it’s also a place where there’s no judgment.” Currently featuring boomerang-shaped benches and a concrete design, the school has plans to make its mark on the yarning circle with artwork from students. “We as teachers can’t impose what the circle means, it’s all about what it means to the students,” Mr Williams said. “Aboriginal people have a rich history of involving others in their culture, so having that experience as non-Aboriginal people and to feel welcome and safe in that environment is another example of cultural responsiveness and cultural inclusivity.”