Gatirri School

Mrs. Burrarwanga forever reminds us of the importance of homelands education in this interview. Her gentle and kind words always resound in our hearts and minds. We remind our family that this video contains the image and voice of Mrs. Burrawanga. We believe that she would always want these words to be here for family and those who are far away to understand the issues.  https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/103392482

Gatirri School was founded by Gatirri Burarrwanga in the 1950s and was for many years a light house school for other communities seeking to educate their children at home. It was also seen as a lighthouse for cultural survival and resilience.

When the mission at Galiwinku closed the school was not supported and children were encouraged to travel to school in regional centres. This was one of the great mistakes of Aboriginal policy in our times.

Thankfully in the 2020s Shepherdson college has been supporting a renewed teaching program at Mata Mata.

The school infrastructure is still relatively sound and this project is to promote an ongoing salary for a teacher to conduct classes in accordance with the Northern Territory school curriculum and in accordance with traditional culture.

A school is a magnet and a source of income and opportunities for many people as well as the students. It is our belief that rebuilding and reinstating the Gatirri School is one foundation stone for the community.

http://www.culturalsurvival.org.au/2004_2way_HLCs/Matamata.html