NAIDOC Week 2020 

Indigenous culture explored and celebrated  

NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week reminds us all of the rich and oldest continuing living culture on the planet. At St Anne’s College, students and staff immersed themselves into many learning conversations and activities central to this year’s theme – Always Was, Always Will Be. The college's Cooper House history is instrumental to NAIDOC. On Australia Day, 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney, which was followed by a congress attended by more than a thousand people. One of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, it was known as the Day of Mourning. Following the congress, a deputation led by William Cooper presented Prime Minister Joseph Lyons with a proposed national policy for Aboriginal people. This was again rejected because the Government did not hold constitutional powers in relation to Aboriginal people. After the Day of Mourning, there was a growing feeling that it should be a regular event. In 1939 William Cooper wrote to the National Missionary Council of Australia to seek their assistance in supporting and promoting an annual event.

During NAIDOC Week 2020, School of Wonder children had a super fun time learning about the Dhungala (Murray River)  and Birrarung (Yarra River) through storytelling and then using their own interpretation through art. Great pieces of art were produced with loads of discussions around the use of language and the colours they felt were appropriate for land and water.

Our School of Innovation students took a close look at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. Groups gathered to collaborate and discuss a plan to use as they produced a joint map of Australia which symbolised their understandings of the learning during NAIDOC Week.

There was an awesome and enthusiastic effort from all staff and students in planning for and celebrating NAIDOC Week this year.

 - Leonie Drummond, Koorie Education Worker