Our Testimonials

Discover Biik Bundjil: Experience the transformative power of our storytelling and cultural ambassadorship, with captivating narratives and ceremonies that foster a deep connection to the history and culture of our nation's first people. Join us on this inspiring journey of education and connection as we celebrate the lasting impressions Biik Bundjil and Jaeden leave on our community.

Biik Bundjil

We had such an amazing workshop with Jaeden Williams. There were nearly 70 people who attended the workshop, with children as young as 10 months old. Jaeden skillfully held the attention of all the young Bubups for a whole hour of storytelling, language, acknowledgement, interactive stories and ritual. The children loved Jaedens engaging stories and larger than life energy. Everyone was particularly moved by the smoking ceremony and we could tell that it touched the hearts of the children. An experience they won't ever forget. We are very excited to have Jaeden guide us on our learning journey into Boonwurrung culture and look forward to his next visit.

- Jake, Yarraville Sacred Place Family Day Care

Thank you, Jaeden! Your presentation was amazing. I really enjoyed it when you shared your intriguing knowledge. The way you teach is incredibly fun, calling us bubups was my favourite part. It was interactive, fun and listening to stories is fantastic. I really recommend it for all kids. It also changed my mindset, and now I am going to do many things differently to make me and others happier.

- Coco, Year 7 Student

Early Learning & Primary School

Jaeden Williams visited our Centre recently and gave us the gift of culture. He is a fantastic storyteller and managed to hold the attention of very young children for almost an hour! By the end of his visit, we had a better understanding, appreciation and respect for the first people of the land where our Centre sits in the Melbourne CBD. Jaeden brought the history and culture of the Boonwurrung people to life. Our community has never been the same since!

- Sentia Early Learning

Jaeden's storytelling was spectacular. Even though our school is on the land of the Boonwurrung, we didn't know very much about the stories of this land. Jaeden's family has been here for 4000 mothers. He helped us understand that all our stories are connected. We loved learning about the connection to the sky and the earth. We loved learning the words and moving our bodies. Jaeden's deep and clear voice was lovely to listen to and he taught us how to roll our tongues to make special sounds. The story of Bunjil and Waa was entertaining and made us think about how the world was created. We wish Jaeden could come every week!

- Grade 3, Elsternwick Primary School

Secondary College & University

We had such an awesome learning experience with Jaeden. Jaeden managed to connect with a whole cohort of lively year 7 students and keep them interested and engaged throughout the whole session teaching boonwurrung words, intriguing cultural knowledge and also sharing his own life story of growing up, giving the students insight in how to develop the positive behaviours of humbleness, wellbeing and insight. Jaeden taught with such respect, passion and humor and also made the teaching relevant by helping students connect to country and make them aware of the importance of looking after themselves, each other and the environment. My wish is that this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership with Jaeden.

- Irene Treadwell, Humanities Teacher at Mount Eliza Secondary College

Dear Jaeden, Thank you for your visit. It was really refreshing to have such a different and real, perspective and workshop, to what we usually have. I found many truths, and had many realisations during your talk. The world needs more of people like you so keep preaching.  

I loved how comfortable you are with who you are, and how comfortable you were with us, it made a very safe environment, and I loved how you explained your concepts. Very easy, simple to understand, and yet you convey the big picture very clearly.  

People in the world need the raw versions of humanity. Everyone is so used to the people around them having all these guards and walls up, it’s so important to have someone get through to people and speak the truth, and that is the experience I felt I had with you.  

Hope to see you talk at our school and in the community more in the future, thanks so much again. 

- Marram Biik - Lily Marx, Year 9, Mount Eliza Secondary College

Boonwurrung Wellness

Thank you for coming and welcoming our year level to the country. Your positive attitude was a very welcoming environment for everyone. I think everyone will take on your advice to go and hug a tree. It will help my year group with their mental health. We are all very grateful for your coming and talking to us.

- Anonymous, Year 7 Student

Dear Jaeden, Thank you for your visit. It was really refreshing to have such a different and real, perspective and workshop, to what we usually have. I found many truths, and had many realisations during your talk. The world needs more of people like you so keep preaching.  

I loved how comfortable you are with who you are, and how comfortable you were with us, it made a very safe environment, and I loved how you explained your concepts. Very easy, simple to understand, and yet you convey the big picture very clearly.  

People in the world need the raw versions of humanity. Everyone is so used to the people around them having all these guards and walls up, it’s so important to have someone get through to people and speak the truth, and that is the experience I felt I had with you.  

Hope to see you talk at our school and in the community more in the future, thanks so much again. 

- Marram Biik - Lily Marx, Year 9, Mount Eliza Secondary College

First People Awareness &
Professional Development

Jaeden's gift for bringing stories alive and involving the audience makes his workshops highly engaging; educational of Boonwurrung ways of knowing, being and doing; and a celebration of learning from First Nations' wisdom's.

- Lisa Hunter (PHD), School of Curriculum, Faculty of Education - Monash University

I was very fortunate to see Jaeden Williams at the Bundjil’s Nest Conference in Balnarring. His Smoking Ceremony along with his yarning sessions were incredibly captivating and informative. Jaeden was very knowledgeable and generous in providing us with resources and Language for the education sector. It was from this PD that we have decided to build an ongoing relationship with Jaeden for our ELC to embed First Nations’ perspectives in a culturally safe and inclusive manner.

- Sakan Pyseth, Lead Educator at Haileybury Newlands ELC

Cultural Walks & Ceremonies

I attended Jaeden’s Boonwurrung cultural walk in May this year, and think it’s the most beneficial activity I’ve ever done to develop my understanding of Indigenous cultures. I am in awe of Jaeden’s ability to weave together the ancient with the modern, the painful with the joyful, the uncomfortable with the familiar. My thinking and feeling has transformed. I would recommend it to anyone who is open to the experience of learning about our shared Australian histories and cultures.

- Anita Goldsworthy

Consultation

I attended Jaeden’s presentation as part of a PD conference and he was captivating. His passion for educating others about country and culture was extremely enjoyable to be a part of. He shared creation stories, language and educated us in a manner that was inviting and highly entertaining. I am looking forward to learning more from Jaeden in the future and getting him in to present to our students.

- Laura Collins, Elwood Primary School