Manduway Dutton from Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan (which translates to ‘Two path strong’) Aboriginal Corporation teaches our Indigenous students the language of the Gumbaynggirr people as well as traditional dance and songs on a weekly basis. All students at MHOC participate in one immersion day each year, “Gumbaynggirr Day”, where they learn about Gumbaynggirr language and culture. Manduway is a Gumbaynggirr man and his purpose is to promote a strong culture and a strong education for all our Aboriginal students and to keep our language alive through the teaching of our children. Language gives our students a sense of pride and belonging.

Indigenous students on a weekly basis learn the Aboriginal culture, traditions and history of Indigenous people. Students have been involved in many projects around the school including our yarning circle, story poles, bushtucker garden and artworks.

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held in July each year to celebrate the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At MHOC we celebrate NAIDOC Week with cultural activities for the school community and end the celebrations with a NAIDOC assembly.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is celebrated each year on the 4th of August. Kelly Rynkowski has been in charge of organising celebrations for this special day at MHOC since 2017. Our school now hosts this event every year and invites local Catholic schools to join us in celebrating local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Gumbaynggirr area.