Smoked out: Aboriginal elders Darren ABORIGINAL elders have spiritually cleansed Casey Council in a traditional smoking ceremony.
The ceremony, which smoked out the council chambers at its council meeting a fortnight ago, was part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Performed by Aboriginal elders Jason Thomas and Darren Simmington from the Bunurong Land Council, the traditional ceremonial welcome created a spiritual connection from the land to the ancestors.
Councillors were encouraged to carry positive thoughts with them as they walked through the smoke from the eucalyptus leaf fire.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said the council was committed to celebrating significant events and recognising the unique culture of Casey’s indigenous community.
“The smoking ceremony is a way of celebrating and promoting a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture,” said Cr Bradford.
The smoke, created when leaves from Eucalyptus trees are placed onto the fire’s embers, rises up into the sky, and is supposed to carry positive thoughts and feelings and cleanse the spiritual aura.
“The leaves contain an ancient aroma and have a long lasting fragrance,” Cr Bradford said.
“Traditionally, fire brought renewal and growth to the land, which are key issues to reconciliation in Australia today.”
