CHPS Newsletter

Wellbeing & Culture

NAIDOC WEEK - For Our Elders

  2nd - 9th July

 

NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is a celebration across Australia held in the first week of July, (Sunday to Sunday) to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations' cultures and histories as well as participate in celebratory activities. Each year the NAIDOC Awards are held, where the achievements of First Nations' people are highlighted, recognised and celebrated. 

Each year a theme is chosen to highlight specific matters that are of importance and create awareness, as well as highlighting the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme is For Our Elders.  Elders have and continue to play an important role in First Nations' communities.  Elders hold important cultural knowledge about country that is passed down to the next generations, 

During NAIDOC Week we have seen different institutions showing their respect through city name changes in weather bulletins on the News, sporting groups wearing special jerseys, councils holding special events or smoking ceremonies, just to name a few. 

How can you celebrate NAIDOC Week? 

  • Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history 
  • Watch an episode or more of Logie Award-winning animated children’s series Little J & Big Cuz on SBS (G rated) 
  • Visit local Indigenous sites of significant interest
  • Attend an event held in your local council area
  • Bake scones using Indigenous ingredients like Roasted Wattleseed 

​​As educators we try to strive and embed Indigenous perspectives within our curriculum, rather than teaching Indigenous perspectives as a separate unit of work. By embedding within our everyday teaching it will help to foster respect, tolerance and understanding.

Check out some of our Year 4 students manipulating wire to create Tree of Life sculptures!

Claudia Michielin  -  Visual Arts