CAVERSHAM Valley PS and Kalamunda PS will be receiving funding from the state government as part of a program promoting Aboriginal cultural education and understanding.

The partnership acceptance learning sharing (PALS) program encourages schools across WA to develop projects promoting and advancing reconciliation in their community.

Reconciliation is a key focus of PALS and funding recipients are required to incorporate an in-class component to meet the grant requirements.

Darling Range Sports College (DRSC) was a term one recipient and used the funding for a Noongar artwork and workshop.

DRSC principal Rob Lawson said recognising Aboriginal culture wasn’t just about acknowledgement but also acceptance.

“To have it more embedded in our curriculum and way of life,” he said.

The school worked with acknowledged Aboriginal artist Mariah Yarran to create an artwork representing DRSC and its surroundings.

“On the left of the painting is a large meeting place which symbolises the college and it’s connected by rivers and various travel symbols that surround the nearby bushlands and hills,” Mr Lawson said.

“The hardware also includes animals like magpies, willie wagtails, kangaroos, emus and around the border it’s got eucalyptus flowers.

“At the school we have a lot of quendas that hide on site so there are hidden quendas on the artwork as well.”

Mr Lawson said programs like PALS were important because they allowed schools to work on projects it may not have the funds for.

“It’s enabled us to further engage the cultural heritage of some of our students and our community.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said the funding was part of an effort to create a unified Australia.

“Gaining a deeper insight into the cultures, achievements and histories of Aboriginal people helps school communities promote reconciliation and work together towards creating a unified Australia,” Mr Punch said.