In the first week of July, people across Australia marked national NAIDOC Week, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culture, and achievements.
NAIDOC Week is a time to recognise Australia’s Indigenous past and present, and to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Events and activities for NAIDOC Week were held around the country from 7-14 July. This year’s theme was Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, with organisers calling for the sparks of pride and unity to be lit.
In the lead-up to NAIDOC Week, Kylie Booth Martinez, a member of the IEU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, spoke to delegates at the union’s Council meeting on 15 June about how their schools would celebrate NAIDOC Week this year.
IEUA NSW/ACT Branch outgoing President Tina Ruello, Catherine McAuley, Westmead
NAIDOC Week is a special time at Catherine McAuley. “At our school we have contact with the Elders of the Dhurug clan and we have a smoking ceremony,” Tina said. For NAIDOC Week, the fire for the smoking ceremony is lit at the school’s Mercy Square, then “the whole school will walk through the smoke and be part of that occasion”.
Alex Thompson, Canberra Grammar School
When Alex started teaching at Canberra Grammar, he wasn’t aware of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, but now there are at least 30 at the school. “This has been transformative for making our school a more inclusive space,” Alex said.
Now, NAIDOC Week is marked with a smoking ceremony led by local Elders. “We also have dance performances where some of our Indigenous students teach their non-Indigenous peers,” Alex said.
Staff can undertake training in the local landscape and bush tucker, and Aboriginal Studies students have the opportunity “to go and visit the junior students and tell them what they’re learning about”.
Amy Kermode Mount St Joseph Catholic College, Milperra
“For me personally, NAIDOC Week is a really important celebration of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” Amy said.
She believes it’s important for students to learn what’s happening around them. “We’ve got a really wonderful group of kids at our school who’ve written a very specific Acknowledgment of Country that takes into account their history, their family and their community. It’s a really beautiful celebration of where we sit within Dharug Country.”
Julian Stewart James Sheahan Catholic High School, Orange
“NAIDOC Week is an incredible opportunity for our students to recognise the ongoing contribution that Aboriginal cultures make to our Australian culture and climate,” Julian said.
“It’s a wonderful chance for them to learn more about their local community”, whether that be within the school or beyond it. “It really is a good time for everyone.”