The aim of this year’s gathering was to get leading Year 10 and 11 students together to meet their peers from across the nation.
IYLP students also enjoyed four days of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances, developed their knowledge of – and pride in – their own and other’s cultures, and built their leadership and teamwork skills.
A visit to the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community to learn more about the community and take part in discussions about road safety, health and wellbeing was one of the highlights. Students also did Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Walks with experienced local Aboriginal guides who taught them about the Daintree and the traditional significance of the land.
Students visited Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to learn more about the local Aboriginal culture, watched theatrical performances and learned the traditional customs of the Tjapukai people. Highlights there included boomerang and spear throwing, dance, storytelling and traditional fire making demonstrations.
A careers’ expo at the Cairns TAFE was a great chance for students to talk about career pathways and options for tertiary study with people from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, the Australian Federal Police, Westpac Bank, James Cook University and a number of health services.
The 2010 gathering was a great success and a fantastic opportunity for IYLP students from all over Australia to come together to recognise their achievements and to be inspired to follow their dreams for the future.
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