NATIONAL NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Falling in the school holidays this year, Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) celebrated NAIDOC in the final week of term two.
Led by First Nations leader Olivia Gibson, the whole-school assembly was just one of the many high-points during the week, with a smoking ceremony undertaken by Uncle Dixon and a Welcome to Country performed by Jada Cooper.
At the assembly, president of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Josh Atkinson was a special guest speaker, while Shanika Allen-Jones’ moving poetry reading stirred and engaged the school gathering.
Depicting the true meaning of For Our Elders, this year’s NAIDOC theme, students performed a dance portraying the significance and incomparable strength of Elders in keeping First Nations’ culture alive.
Through the movement of the dance, students demonstrated traditional ways of sourcing food, preparing for celebration and caring for Country. The dance honoured Elders as cultural custodians and teachers.
NAIDOIC events held throughout the week also included a cultural exchange program with Mt Scopus Memorial College, traditional games, art, basket weaving and beading, traditional food tasting of Kangaroo Stew, Kangaroo Meatballs, Damper, Jonny Cakes and Lemon Myrtle Shortbread.
A staff versus student game of buroinjin bought out the fun and competitive side, while Home Group lessons each morning provided some great insight and lessons into the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.
The Koorie Big Day Out was another event held during the week and provided First Nation students with an array of information and exhibits to help them explore higher education, training and employment opportunities beyond school.
Presented by Toorong Marnong and the Shepparton Education plan, First Nation students from across the region were invited to attend and the event featured careers and aspiration exhibits, panel speakers and breakout sessions designed to lift aspirations, increase engagement and to improve the retention of students.
NADOIC activities across the week at GSSC were a wonderful and engaging success for all students to celebrate First Nations culture and peoples.
GSSC thanks its Koorie Educators and Engagement Support Officers, Shepparton Education Plan, teaching and education support staff for making it all possible.
