Listening to and learning from our Elders
Thursday, 29 June 2023
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Dr Roma Yibiyung Winmar
When thinking about this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘For our Elders’, we are reminded of the importance of E lders and how they have played and continue to play a critical role in our communities.
Elder-In-Residence
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is privileged to have Dr Roma Yibiyung Winmar as our Elder-In-Residence where she provides high-level advice and support for Aboriginal cultural activities across the University.
Known by many as Nan Roma, she is a respected Noongar Elder , and is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal education, language and arts.
“I have been around for a while. I have lived through many changing policies affecting our people’s journey,” she said.
“My family fought for the right of mainstream education. I have been involved with education for many years and have been privileged to gain the right to teach our local Noongar language.”
Growing up
Dr Winmar’s journey to where she is today saw her growing up with racism and restriction policies.
“I remember going to the local pool and there was a sign saying, ‘No natives allowed’,”
“We always had a voice, but no one was listening. As a child I remember being invisible, standing in line, while white customers were served ahead of me time and time again,”
“When I piped up and said, ‘Excuse me, I was here first,’ no one listened,” she said.
Mum knew best
Dr Winmar always knew who she was due to the strength and resilience of her mum.
“Mum had high standards and outstanding humanitarian values that saw her well respected in the community,” she said.
“Most importantly she was adaptable, she was always adjusting, and we learned from her, how to make the best of things and be respectful of other people,”
Teachers who left their mark
Throughout her schooling, Dr Winmar also had the support of school teachers.
“I did well in high school and was working hard on my studies in my final year when one day, near graduation I was called to the headmistress’ office,” she said.
“When I rushed to the office, I was told there was a visitor for me and there stood Miss Richards from Narrogin. She said, ‘I have been following your journey through education and I wanted to wish you well and tell you I know you can be anything you want to be.’”
Generational impact
We learn and draw strength from the knowledge and experience of E lders. Knowledge from experience can be passed onto future generations, much like how Dr Winmar learned from her E lders, we can learn from her.
“I have overcome many social obstacles and would consider it a privilege to support you in your journey through the education system.” Dr Winmar said.
This focus on generational impact is what makes ECU a university of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
ECU is proud of our long-standing commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, not just during NAIDOC Week but throughout the year.
Visit ecu.edu.au/indigenous to find out more