Nungalinya has also always been a strong supporter of ‘Bothways’ or ‘two-way’ learning: that Indigenous Christians have much to teach mainstream Australia about land, language, kinship and faith. The ‘Nungalinya Indigenous Cultural Experience’ (NICE) program is the latest expression of this cross-cultural vision and has been steadily growing over the last few years. In September a ‘Year 13’ group from Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC) visited and had a wonderful time. Here are some of their reflections:
  • "We are thankful for being invited to be part of college life for a few days and being able to participate in chapel and the graduation.”
  • “It was good to learn about kinship and moiety from an Indigenous person – I had never heard about these before.”
  • “Indigenous culture is much more complex that I had imagined. I can now understand how and why culture breaks down so quickly.”
  • “It was great to understand the kinship system a bit more and how everyone fits in.”
  • “My attitudes and preconceived ideas were challenged in a really good way.”
  • “I learned that indigenous people express their faith in equally different and valid ways.”
  • “Being able to create art myself was a really cool way to experience the culture here.”
  • “I loved seeing how much the college emphasises Jesus’ love for all people.”
  • “Beautiful seeing different expressions of faith and the love for Jesus so clearly displayed”
  • “I left with lots of questions and a desire to learn more.”
  • “I learnt it is vital to approach people with interest and not with judgment, to come with a humble attitude and continually examine my own personal state and culture.”
  • “I feel better prepared to engage in the cross-cultural mission trip.”
  • “I learnt that relationships are really important for Aboriginal people.”
  • “I learned more about Indigenous culture in these 3 sessions than I had in my whole life combined.”