Camp empowers Indigenous girls to be what they want to be

By Isis Symes

Thirty-five Indigenous girls from Mt Morgan State High School and Baralaba State School converged at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North Campus to participate in an academy camp.

In its second year, the CQUniversity-led Indigenous Girls Academy Leadership Camp is held in partnership with the Q-Coal Foundation and is based on the principles of respectful relationships, strength-based and place-based approaches, as well as cultural support and wellbeing.

CQUniversity Indigenous Connect Officer Kira Allan said the camp aimed at improving the welfare of First Nations youngsters while encouraging them to stay in school.

“Students experienced what it was like living at the student residence, participating in TAFE and university classes as well as engaging in cultural experiences on-country,” Ms Allan said.

“The four-day camp saw the girls engage in many activities including resume-writing, boxing, a traditional art session run by Darumbal Youth Services and fun activities such as a movie night and dance party.”

The camp concluded with a presentation by Aunty Frances who spoke about her cultural heritage, shared the creation stories from New Zealand and provided insight into her culture’s women’s business. 

“The girls expressed enjoyment about learning another culture and the pride other cultures have. It empowered them and made them feel more proud to be strong, Indigenous women.”