Introducing Emily! Many of our classes enjoyed engaging with Emily this term and last; she is looking forward to continuing engage with the children next term too, in whatever form these current circumstances call for.
Emily Punu is a Biripi woman currently living on Wonnarua Country. The School is fortunate to have Emily teaching at Linuwel weekly bringing traditional stories, dances and ceremonies for all our students to experience. She brings an enormous depth of knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and perspectives.
As a child, Emily grew up on Worimi country (Port Stephens) and would often go on Country with her Dad, Mum and brother; bush walking, fishing and tracking koalas. Emily learned a lot from her Dad, as well as from elders from a variety of Aboriginal Nations. Emily’s Dad ran tours for overseas visitors and Emily often accompanied him, whilst he shared knowledge about bush tucker and traditional meeting places. He also worked in many local schools teaching art, dance and Yidaki. Emily’s dad also accompanied archaeologists to Aboriginal Sites where he would share his knowledge about traditional artefacts and their uses. He is an accomplished artist and has illustrated several books, as well as creating public artworks. Emily helped him paint the beautiful pillars at the Murrook Cultural Centre in Nelson Bay.
Emily has been dancing for over 25 years and studied different styles including classical ballet and contemporary dance. She attended the Hunter School of Performing Arts and following that she studied at NAISDA on the NSW Central Coast. A highlight of Emily’s performance experience was performing in the 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Emily teaches at numerous schools across the Hunter region and performs with her dance group Mixed Mobs Dance Group.
Emily feels very privileged that she grew up with such a close connection to culture and we feel very fortunate to have her engaging and sharing with us here at Linuwel School.