When Katie Spasojevic accepted the position of cultural adviser at ACE Secondary College this year, it felt like a kind of homecoming.
Partly because the job was at her old stomping ground.
But mostly because it would allow her to delve deeper into reconnecting with her cultural roots.
Her ancestors, including her mother, were part of the Stolen Generations — Aboriginal children who were, under the Australian Government, forcibly removed from their families and placed in institutions or with non-Indigenous families in a deliberate attempt to blot out their culture and colour.
This history funnelled into Katie’s childhood, and she grew up disconnected from her Aboriginal identity.
“Even now, I find that my connection isn’t as strong as it should be,” she said.
“Therefore, I’m trying to connect myself back into my community, but also sharing knowledge as I go.”
Sometimes, Katie shares this knowledge through presentations, where students crane their necks to see a coolamon held up for the class, among other traditional items.
Other times, she leads cultural practices like smoking ceremonies and art classes infused with Indigenous symbolism.
At all times, her primary role is to support students inside and outside the classroom.
“Many children don’t have support, so when they come to school, I really want them to feel that they’re loved and welcomed,” she said.
Katie is acutely aware that Indigenous youth need greater support, having more than a sprinkle of salt on the wound of intergenerational trauma.
However, she is determined not to let it define their future.
“It’s their time now to break the cycle,” she said.
“A lot of people can’t break that cycle, so it’s very important for the younger generation to know that it’s okay, they don’t have to carry that trauma.
“They can be themselves, and by being yourself, you can soar — I’ve seen it.”
Enlightening. Innovating. Soul-stirring.
That’s how Katie could construe her time as a student at ACE.
But she sums it up better herself.
“I walked out of here like I was on cloud nine, and that’s honest to God.”
Now, as an adviser, that cloud has a silver lining.
“I’ve found that my connection to this Country comes from supporting the kids to have a better future,” she said.
– Taylah Baker