ORIEL GREEN

“It’s really important to listen to children and to love children”

Oriel was born in 1935 in Three Springs, a small town four hours north of Perth. When Oriel was 12 she moved to Morowa with her family. Three years later Oriel started her first job as a store hand at the Canna General Store.

In 1971, Oriel moved to Perth where she began her career in early childhood education. Oriel’s experience as the eldest of 14 children sparked her passion for education and helping young people achieve their potential.

Oriel worked for the Education Department for 20 years. In the 1980’s, she was a member of the National Education Committee and during that time chaired the Early Childhood Working Group. During Orial’s time on the National Education Committee, she was awarded a travel grant which allowed her to go to America to learn about Native American teachings and ways of learning.

Oriel’s positive grass roots work was recognised in 1999 when she was inducted into the Aboriginal Education Hall of Fame. Oriel has also worked for the Yarning Aboriginal Corporation and Playgroup WA.

Although Oriel is now retired, she continues to volunteer her time to help promote and foster reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. She helped found the Northern Suburbs Reconciliation Working Group, where she has been an active participant for over a decade. She also sits on the advisory committees for local kindergartens and assists Girrawheen Senior High School with their Follow the Dream Program for Aboriginal students.

Oriel has six children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom share in her love for all children.

Gnarla Moort (Our People) Exhibition presented by The City of Perth, 2014.

Link: www.museumofperth.com.au/gnarla-moort

Photography: Eva Fernandez