Gimuy I invites participants into an On Country experience of genuine encounter with First Nations peoples, and an opportunity for deep listening to the wisdom of Traditional Owners and EldersHenry Fourmile, Susan Reys and Karen Reys-Wilson. It is co-facilitated by members of the Identity and Outreach Team.
Participants can build knowledge of First Nations spirituality and their time-honoured Ways of Knowing, Being, Doing and Valuing through smoking ceremonies, shared stories and relationally responsive pedagogies which encourage connection to Country. Through dialogue, participants can develop personal insight into a shared journey of reconciliation and truth-telling as a member of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Cairns. The Gimuy I program is foregrounded with a 2-hour online preparation session, followed by a one-day session at Goomboora Park comprising whole-group and small-group dialogical sessions. A self-selected experience makes up the small group session.
Participants can choose one of the following each time they engage with the Gimuy I program:
“I Can Fly” – Hear the story of the Three Sisters and their journey of being called back home to their ancrestral lands; explore symbols that speak of your own story and create a clay bird with Susan’s skilful guidance.
OR
“Shared Story” – Share in Karen’s cultural knowledge and spiritual journey of healing through the experience of Indigenous ways of quietening the mind and listening deeply to the inner self; engage in storytelling through her family’s historical artefacts and complete the session with guided meditation.
OR
“Walk Country” – Move over Country along the Esplanade, beginning at the totem poles near Wharf One and ending at the Gallery (Old Court House); listen to Henry’s Story of Gimuy (Cairns) through thel ens of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji peoples.
Preparation: 2-hour self-paced preparation session prior to the experience.
Date: Friday 05 September 2025
Time: 8:30-3:30pm
Registration: Participants need to register through iLearn by 22 August 2025. (Minimum: 15 / Maximum: 55)
Location: Goomboora Park (start and end)
Accreditation: 7 hours Teach in a Catholic School
Approximate Costing: $210 per participant invoiced to schools on enrolment through iLearn.
Withdrawals after the cut-off date will incur the FULL FEE. Please note that we require minimum 15 participants to run the sessions and it is subject to cancellation if minimum numbers are not met.
