Moorundie Ruwe Ninkawi’s Group in The Riverland came about through discussions with mothers of young Aboriginal children and the need for a culturally safe space to meet, to yarn, to improve their social and emotional wellbeing whilst being able to bring their children and also interact with them through various activities.
Through these yarns a common theme of self-esteem kept coming up. So ASG in conjunction with Riverland Crossfit and Live Better Physiotherapy, a program was developed to both increase physical and mental health well-being for these group of women.
The mother’s self and esteem and confidence as parents and as predominantly Aboriginal mothers has increased and this can be seen through attendance at community events. As the group has evolved so has the sense of pride has developed within these women. Pride in themselves as individuals, as mothers and pride of the success of the group.
For mothers of Aboriginal children to stand in a predominantly non-Aboriginal community and to stand proud as women and mothers has assisted in developing positive social and emotional well-being for this group.
The Moorundie Ruwe Ninkawi’s Group have overcome issues of lateral violence and family issues and have put that aside for the sake of the group. There has been nothing but positive outcomes to date and these will continue to grow.
Each week the mothers and children participate in an activity together to build on their relationships with their children. Some activities have been clay, painting canvases & card making.
The group have extended offers of inclusion to other mothers that they see struggling within the Riverland Community. They share language and teach the children language too. They actively teach their children cultural protocol and traditions.
