First Nations News

Close the Gap

During March, Aitken College students were given the opportunity to learn and understand about some of the inequalities that exist in Australia today between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

For example, students learnt that indigenous children born today are on average likely to live 10 or more years less than their non-indigenous peers. They looked at data which explained that non-indigenous students are 30% more likely to complete year 12 than indigenous students.

This opportunity was provided to recognise Close the Gap Day on March 16th. This day is used to highlight the inequalities that exist in a range of areas such as healthcare, education and employment. It is also a day to think about how everyone can contribute to closing the gaps, even just by learning more about them.

Secondary students participated in a quiz to challenge their knowledge and understanding of Close the Gap Day. We would like to congratulate 9L on winning this quiz and we hope that all students learnt something new.

Harmony Week

The First Nations Committee was also excited to be taking part in Harmony Week this term. Our first activity involved reading stories from a range of cultures. Students heard stories and had a yarn about what culture and language means to them while celebrating the Harmony Week theme: Everyone Belongs.

Students picked from a range of books which explore diverse cultures and languages and learnt how to say ‘hello’ in over 10 different languages, including indigenous languages from all over Australia.

We also shared some Woi Wurrung language with students and discussed the many different Indigenous languages which were originally spoken on the land we now call Australia.

School holidays First Nations opportunities

The Koorie Heritage Trust has a range of school holiday workshops happening at their Federation Square locations. These workshops are free but do require booking. See the below table for the workshop dates and times and head to https://koorieheritagetrust.com.au/whats-on/#exhibitions for more info and to book.

Workshop type	Date/Time	Age range
Collaged badges- use a range of natural materials to create a badge.	Friday 14 April 10:30am - 1pm	Suitable for kids over 6
Printmaking- use natural materials and lino printing to create a set of greeting cards.	Wednesday 12 April 11am - 2pm	Kids 6+, bring a smock or apron
Character Design- join an indigenous artist and illustrator for a workshop on imagining and designing a character and turn this into a digital artwork.	Thursday 20 April 2 - 5pm	8-14 years
Ochre Painting on Gum Leaves	Wednesday 19 April 2 - 3pm	6-14 years
Weaving workshop- learn the coil weave, a traditional Aboriginal weaving technique	Tuesday 11 April 11am - 2pm	Ages 6+

Ms Sophie Sykes

First Nations Coordinator