Twenty-five Ntaria School students have travelled 125 kilometres of Western Aranda country on horseback, to ride in the Alice Springs ANZAC Parade tomorrow 25 April 2018. 

The five day ride saw students acknowledge the role of Indigenous people in the Australian defence forces and the Central Desert brumbies used by the Light Horse Infantry during the First World War. 

The annual ride is a partnership between the NT Department of Education, the Ntaria School community, Western Aranda families and the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities for Children program.

Stronger Communities for Children Coordinator Annie Kennedy said the journey is an important learning experience for the students, which teaches work skills and commemorates the Indigenous servicemen past and present.   

“For some students, this will be their fourth ANZAC Ride,” Ms Kennedy said. 

“These students are bringing national and international attention to the Indigenous men and women who have fought in Australia’s war efforts since WW1. 

“Throughout the ride, students were joined by Tjuwanpa rangers who taught them local bird and plant identification and how to make bush medicine along the way.

“This has been an invaluable experience for the Ntaria students and it would not have been possible without the strong support of the school, the community and Western Aranda family leaders.” 

Ntaria School Principal Cath Greene said the ride engaged the students and the community in authentic learning, while bringing the whole community together. 

“This experience has been a wonderful opportunity for the students to enhance their learning and life skills, while honouring the Aboriginal servicemen who fought at war,” Ms Greene said. 

“All of the students should be extremely proud of their journey from Ntaria to Alice Springs.” 

The ANZAC ride contributes to the learning experience and assessment for Vocational Education and Training in the Certificate II Horse Care. 

All 25 students and their school peers will participate in the 2018 Alice Springs ANZAC Day Parade tomorrow from 9.45am. 

The ride is made possible by the Ntaria Stronger Communities for Children initiative funded by the Australian Government.

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