Kalannie Message Sticks

In 2021 the Kalannie kids took part in our message sticks project. An event run during the annual Children's Week. This important awareness campaign is run from the 18th - 26th October and each year it highlights the rights of the child https://www.childrensweekwa.org.au/about/

The theme that ran over 2020-2021 focused on Article 15: Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others. As these years were interrupted by COVID 19, the theme for the week then also encouraged re-establishing connection with family, community and country.

The Kalannie CRC offered children and their parents the place to do this by using Indigenous inspired message sticks to convey that connection. The children used symbolism that depicted themselves and their family. It was an engaging method that worked to reinforce their place within their community. While creating a lasting physical reminder of that, which they see everytime they go down Kalannie's main street.

The Kalannie CRC invited Badimia Yamatji and Balladong Noongar artist Acacia Collard https://www.acaciaculturaldesigns.com/home and Badimia representative Beverly Slater, to come to the CRC and talk about the different symbolism connected within Indigenous art. These included images of family sitting around a fire and animal footprints.

Beverly also spoke about the significance of totems for Indigenous people and how every family has their own totem. Most totems are animals and the family connected to that animal must always look after them (and never eat them!). It's a way to emphasise strong connection to both family and country.

They then guided the children on how to paint their symbols onto the message sticks. Some children painted wildflowers, images connected to farming and some their family pet. All a depiction of their family, personal identity and connection to Kalannie.

The message sticks will be placed amongst the playground as a part of the ongoing townscape upgrades, and Kalannie Art Trail. They are there for all residents to show their connection to Kalannie.

The message sticks is an ongoing project where Kalannie residents past and present are welcome to paint their own section. If you would like to be a part of this great initiative then please contact the CRC by email kalanniecrc@kalannie.com.au for more information.