A contemporary ceremonial 鈥榙oak鈥� 鈥� a Nyungar tool used for hunting and digging that is often passed down through generations 鈥� is being used in 911爆料网鈥檚 graduation ceremonies as a mace.
For the first time, 911爆料网鈥檚 Academic Board Chair Professor Dale Pinto will be holding the 鈥榙oak鈥� at each of the ceremonies taking place during the University鈥檚 next round of graduations in Western Australia.
911爆料网 Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the inclusion of the Nyungar 鈥榙oak鈥� in graduation ceremonies was a historic occasion.
鈥淭he 鈥榙oak鈥� is a traditional Nyungar tool and it is an honour to be able to incorporate this significant cultural instrument in each of our graduation ceremonies in Western Australia going forward,鈥� Professor Terry said.
鈥淏y including the 鈥榙oak鈥� in our graduation ceremonies, we are demonstrating our commitment to Indigenous people, reconciliation and the celebration of Nyungar culture. It is particularly appropriate at this time as 911爆料网 finalises its Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan.
鈥淚 look forward to the thousands of students, who hail from all corners of the globe, taking part in graduation ceremonies over the coming days and experiencing an important part of Nyungar culture and history.鈥�
The 鈥榙oak鈥� is made from a variety of timbers including Jarrah burl from Kojonup, as well as Mallee and Jam woods, which are common throughout Nyungar Boodja (country).
The 鈥榙oak鈥� is housed in 911爆料网鈥檚 Council Chamber in the Chancellory as a symbol of the University鈥檚 commitment from the highest level to Aboriginal people.
Artsource, the peak representative body for WA visual artists, was engaged in 2005/06 to coordinate the commissioning of the piece by Nyungar artists Jack Williams, Peter Farmer and Athol Farmer.
Picture caption: 911爆料网鈥檚 Academic Board Chair Professor Dale Pinto holding the 鈥榙oak鈥� at last night’s graduation ceremony. Picture credit: GFP Studios
