THE Aboriginal Tent Embassy was the focal point of an inter-school debate at Dubbo yesterday, as students argued whether or not it should be demolished.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Students from 14 schools, which included three from the Dubbo area, debated in the Western NSW NAIDOC Public Speaking and Debating Challenge at the Bangamalanha Centre.
In attendance was original founder and the first ambassador of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Michael Anderson, who was also the guest speaker.
Teacher and learning co-ordinator of Aboriginal education Allan Hall said the challenge would see students out of their comfort zone and debate in a much talked about issue, and do it wonderfully.
"Some people have never spoken publicly before and it's a really good opportunity for them to speak out about a significant issue," he said.
The debate involved Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students who discussed the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, which this year marks 40 years since it began.
Mr Anderson said the challenge was an excellent way for a new generation of students to learn and understand crucial historical facts.
"It should be done everywhere because the students of today deserve to learn about the country they live in," he said.
"It's a better way for them to interact with one another and to express an opinion on something as important as the Aboriginal Tent Embassy."
As one of the last-surviving members of the original Tent Embassy, Mr Anderson admitted he felt sad that other founding members died so young.
"A debate that discusses the amazing things these people did is a good start for kids that need to know more about Australia. They're open to these historical facts now, thanks to this challenge," he said.
Mr Anderson also revealed that Isobel Coe, an Aboriginal poet and playwright, sadly passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning. He said he remembered meeting her when she was a teenager, and watched her grow into a leading Aboriginal woman.
Dubbo College South Campus student Leticia Quince said the challenge was a way to encourage Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students to connect with the Tent Embassy.
"It also helps to boost our confidence as we get to work on our public speaking," she said.
Dubbo South Public School student Monica Peterson, whose late grandfather Tombo Winters was involved in the Tent Embassy, said she was proud to be involved in the debate.
"My pop died when I was three, but I know the good things that he did. I'm proud to be debating today and I'm also proud to be an Aboriginal girl," she said.
anthony.cini@ruralpress.com
