Creating genuine connections with First Nations people

"I love working with the groups, and I feel proud of myself when I can share my knowledge and skills with people outside the community. Red Earth’s visits build our community confidence. When my kids can share their culture they become strong in their skills and feel proud of their knowledge."

"I think we've really ended the year on a high note. The last lot of girls were brilliant in the way the conducted themselve, but really, all the groups are fabulous, as are the School and Red Earth staff. It's always emotional to see the bus drive off"

"I have been an educator for over 30 years... having just returned from a Red Earth immersion, I have never witnessed the powerful personal growth in students to which I saw in Cape York. Living and learning on Country with our First Nations Australians was a privilege and life-changing for all."

"The people who share and experience Indigenous Culture through the immersion program may one day be the leaders of our country. Sharing my personal journey and experiences has heightened my awareness of who I am and my place in the world."

"The space to disconnect and distance from the usual hectic flow of life was the perfect backdrop to reflect on and reassess what really matters. Everyone who came on our expedition with Red Earth retuned home different in some meaningful way."

“The immersion was very thought-provoking and eye-opening. Not only to the culture of Indigenous Australia in the APY Lands, but also to the nature of learning through experiences. I loved how it allowed us to see and celebrate Indigenous culture for what it truly is today.”

“We were treated to a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous people, hearing their stories and aspirations in an incredible setting. It was amazing to be Welcomed to Country and to engage in the lives of our hosts. Our trips to sacred places were extraordinary and the landscape was like no other place on Earth. Our Red Earth Leaders were knowledgable, organised and committed to creating a reflective, engaging experience. Furthermore, we were consistently supported by the Red Earth back office team. A spectacular immersion that changed the lives of the young people involved.”

“I had the most amazing time; hearing and sharing stories with the Elders of the homelands. Seeing the multiple generations of Indigenous on their land was heart-warming and I am so glad I was able to hear directly from them about their experience.”

“I was extremely immersed in Aboriginal culture, learning about new and interesting aspects of the culture. Helping the community was also extremely rewarding and worthwhile as it allowed me to appreciate what I have at home.”

“Students experienced the Aboriginal peoples’ love for Country first hand – it was beautiful waking up and looking across the green valleys in Arnhem Land which helped us understand the deep spiritual connection that the people have with their Country. This was a new experience for our group and an insight that could only be made on the Country itself.”

“This immersion was a humbling experience which helped me learn about Aboriginal culture. The lessons I learnt and people I met had a big impact on me. It made me rethink my way of living in a more positive way.”

“The experience challenged me sometimes, but along the way I laughed so hard and made so many new friends. I loved playing with the children, learning the Indigenous dances and fishing whilst chatting to the Elders.”

“My view on Aboriginal culture has vastly expanded, and I now know so much more after going on the immersion. Having the privilege to visit and interact with sacred sites was breathtaking.”

“Red Earth go above and beyond to ensure everyone is not only safe but are able to learn and gain insight into the Indigenous culture. Travelling to places like Cape York there is always an element of unpredictability, however Red Earth took steps to prioritise safety. The amount of growth we saw in our students across the ten days was phenomenal and this was helped by the well designed and well executed program.”

“I not only learnt so much about Aboriginal culture and history, but learnt even more about myself and truly believe I have become a better person because of this experience. Not a single day on this trip was taken for granted, and each day more memories were made and more knowledge was gained. I know that I will think of this immersion each day for the rest of my life and will always be glad that I took this incredible opportunity.”

“The immersion was a life changing experience that benefited me in such a positive way. The people you meet are amazing and they have such an amazing impact on your life. Listening to their rich and diverse culture and watching how hard they work, it really changes your perspective on life and it really impacts who you want to be when you get back.”

“What an amazing immersion program and opportunity. All students had the opportunity to listen, ask questions and grow in their understanding and appreciation of our Indigenous people and culture. A rich, rewarding and potentially life-changing opportunity for students who were present and engaged in this unique experience.”

“I consider myself very lucky to have been able to visit the APY lands and to spend time with the local communities, learning their traditions and culture. Working in a corporate environment it was great to get out into nature with my colleagues and get to know each other away from the luxuries of everyday life, as a result we have all grown much closer. I struggle to put it into words, but feel my life has been enriched in many ways by this experience.”

“The stunning beauty of the region was the first impact as well as the warmth of the welcome we received. I really enjoyed the time we spent with the local people, watching the boys learn new things as well as their teamwork and support of each other.”

“The time spent on the Immersion was so far the best experience of my life. Having the opportunity to experience remote Indigenous cultures first hand was both eye opening and fulfilling. I would definitely attend another Immersion if the opportunity comes by again.”