Change to Darkinjung names needs discussion
In proposing to rename the sports houses at Woy Woy Public School, the principal has begun a discussion that is overdue.
Indeed, it is discussion that should involve the whole community.
I cannot follow the principal's reasoning, as published in Peninsula News 551 p7.
Much is left unexplained:
Why change from historical figures to environmental symbols?
Why choose the Darkinjung language?
Why not the Guringai language?
How does this involve "truth-telling"?
What are the proposed symbols and who has chosen them?
What is the symbolism of those choices?
While the current house names might be considered controversial by a range of people for a number of reasons, are they? If so, who has raised this and what are their reasons?
How does the proposed change forge deeper connections and understandings between people?
Is inclusiveness of all local residents and cultures central to this process?
What is the relevance of Torres Strait island culture, any more than any other culture, in this context?
SOURCE:
Letter, 30 Aug 2022
Norm Harris, Umina