For many of us, the acronym of ‘NAIDOC’ would be familiar to our vocabulary, but the six words associated with this term would not spring to mind immediately.
Most of us would need a Google search to find out that ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee‘ is the expanded form of NAIDOC.
Interestingly, the whole notion of having a ‘NAIDOC week’ is largely for education purposes, as the Google search continues to enlighten us:
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.”
As such, it seems appropriate that our SCEA schools have spent time recently celebrating and acknowledging the First Nations people during their NAIDOC week celebrations.
The 2022 NAIDOC week theme is ‘Get up! Stand up! Show up!’ and invites all Australians to embrace the history of the boodja (country) that we live in, and adopt a way forward together.
Beechboro Christian School
Beechboro held a special ceremony to acknowledge the First Nations People and one of the world’s oldest living cultures. The students created a collaborative display which represents:
- We show respect
- We share this land
- We walk together
- Hand in hand.
Swan Christian College
Swan Junior School spent time with Mr Kelly and Belinda from ‘Djirrily Dreaming’ exploring the Aboriginal culture. The students also took part in various activities centred around NAIDOC.
Swan Senior School held a special assembly, raising a flag for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Southern Hills Christian College
Southern Hills Early Learning participated in a fun day of shared learning in the form of bushland play.
The activities included:
- Learning to make a Mia Mia (or shelter using only materials found in the bush)
- Learning all about the plants in the bushland play area that can be used to heal and feed the Noongar people
- Painting leaves in traditional designs
- Stick weaving in the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag
- Damper making
