Determined to learn more about the history and culture of our First Nations people teen-twin brothers Nicolas and Zachary Kanatas were selected to visit the remote paradise of One Arm Point through the Trinity Grammar annual exchange program.

Crafting crabbing spears and lifelong memories

Two hand-crafted crabbing spears stand proudly by their front door, since their return to Melbourne a few weeks ago. The highlight of their trip to the remote Aboriginal community—three hours north of Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley region—was learning how to make these spears from scratch alongside the local Bardi youth.

“We made spears out of local trees to go crabbing and fish hunting. We cut the slim trees down with a saw,” the twins told Neos Kosmos. Describing the ancient practice in detail; they stripped the branches and leaves off, then fired the wood.

The 12-year-olds claim said it was an experience they will never forget and that they came to appreciate a completely different way of life. They were struck by how remote the community of around 300 Indigenous people was and how self-reliant its residents were.

“The nearest supermarket is many hours away… The culture there was eye-opening in that they catch their own food, like turtles—which many people have never tried.

“It tasted (kind of) like chicken. I liked how everyone is so connected to their land. They are taught by their parents and grandparents about the history of the land and what to do (and not!)”.

Bonds with a group of children and teachers of the local Aboriginal community had been formed before the two ventured to the remote coast in Western Australia with another eight classmates.

“We hosted the One Arm Point community members here locally, and they got to build that rapport, trust, and friendship before they went there. It was a really lovely segue into the community,” their mother, Danielle Kanatas, told Neos Kosmos.

Danielle said her twins were so keen to be part of this exchange program, that they “looked at us in the eye and said, ‘if we get this opportunity, we need to cut short our European holiday so we can host these children'”.

The application process required essays and interviews. With over a hundred boys in their cohort, the twins initially doubted they would both be selected. In a show of brotherly support, Zac even offered to give up his spot if only one of them was chosen.

“They’re very curious learners, and they’ve always been quite wise for their age,” Danielle said.

She added that their curiosity extended to their Greek heritage, evident during the family trip to Greece. The highlight of that trip, she noted, was visiting their great-grandfather’s home —a house he built with his own hands in the early 1900s.

New bridges between two ancient cultures

In their exchange program application, the twins demonstrated a strong understanding of Indigenous communities while drawing parallels to their Greek heritage.

Nicolas reflected on how Indigenous knowledge systems are interwoven with storytelling, song, dance, art, and ceremonies, passed down through generations.

“I can relate to this in a personal way when my own grandparents share stories about their experiences during the war and how they came to this golden land of opportunity for a better life.

“Our grandparents’ narratives, much like those of Indigenous communities, are filled with lessons, values, and a deep sense of connection to their heritage.”

Zac highlighted the value of Greek hospitality, which he said is “central” to their identity as third-generation Greek Australians.

“A part of our Greek culture is that we take hospitality very seriously, ensuring our guests have the ultimate experience. This is mainly through food, but also by ensuring they are comfortable and well looked after.”

Lessons in connection: Ancient traditions meet in modern Australia

During their seven-day immersion in the One Arm Point community, the twins learned firsthand from a population that has lived there for thousands of years. They embraced a new way of life, enjoying the beautiful waters, mud crabbing, fishing and building fires with local children.

“They just got to do things they would never in their wildest dreams do,” Danielle said. “I’ve now got two beautifully crafted spears at the front of my house that they used in hunting for mud crabs.”

Before travelling, the twins underwent preparation to ensure they were culturally sensitive, particularly regarding sacred objects and appropriate behaviour. Danielle believes their empathy and respect played a significant role in their selection for the program.

“It coincides with things that we do within our own culture as well, like what’s appropriate behaviour in church, what we wear, and what we don’t. So it’s all about that sensitivity and willingness to respect.”