NAIDOC Week July 5-12
We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate
Celebrating NAIDOC Week is a very important time of the year, it is a chance to take time to learn more about the values and belief structures of our Indigenous people and this year's focus is on the strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea.
I know I mention this each year but I truly believe that it is also important that we don't "just do" some Indigenous activities in this one week of the year but use this week to learn more and reflect more, so that we can use that knowledge gained in our rooms and schools throughout the year on a regular and routine basis. So I challenge you, don't just do what you have always done this NAIDOC Week, take this opportunity to learn more and educate yourself / others, search the web, talk to your local Indigenous community members, read a book, watch Kanyini on You Tube (A fabulous documentary, that is thought provoking and is my personal favouite).
It can be simple things, like my sons child care centre has taken the opportunity to engage with parents and educators at the centre on changing the names of the rooms to local Aboriginal names of meaning and history. This will bring a life time of appreciation and respect to this centre as no doubt over the years many discussions will be had on the meanings chosen.
If you wish to share your ideas on how your centre or school is celebrating NAIDOC Week this year then feel free to reply to this email and we will share your answers with others.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week borrowed from the NAIDOC Week website:
Celebrating NAIDOC Week is a very important time of the year, it is a chance to take time to learn more about the values and belief structures of our Indigenous people and this year's focus is on the strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea.
I know I mention this each year but I truly believe that it is also important that we don't "just do" some Indigenous activities in this one week of the year but use this week to learn more and reflect more, so that we can use that knowledge gained in our rooms and schools throughout the year on a regular and routine basis. So I challenge you, don't just do what you have always done this NAIDOC Week, take this opportunity to learn more and educate yourself / others, search the web, talk to your local Indigenous community members, read a book, watch Kanyini on You Tube (A fabulous documentary, that is thought provoking and is my personal favouite).
It can be simple things, like my sons child care centre has taken the opportunity to engage with parents and educators at the centre on changing the names of the rooms to local Aboriginal names of meaning and history. This will bring a life time of appreciation and respect to this centre as no doubt over the years many discussions will be had on the meanings chosen.
If you wish to share your ideas on how your centre or school is celebrating NAIDOC Week this year then feel free to reply to this email and we will share your answers with others.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week borrowed from the NAIDOC Week website:
· Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace.
· Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models.
· Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
· Make your own Indigenous trivia quiz.
· Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
· Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area.
· Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.
· Create your own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander art.
· Run an art competition for your school or community.
· Research Indigenous history online or visit you library to find books about Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples.
· Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.
· Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words.
· Invite local Indigenous Elders to speak or give a Welcome to Country at your school or workplace.
· Invite an Indigenous sportsperson or artist to visit you.
· Invite Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander dancers to perform.
· Host a community BBQ or luncheon.
· Hold a flag raising ceremony.
· Organise a smoking ceremony.
Content from www.naidoc.org.au
Did you know that NAIDOC week has been celebrated since 1972!
Did you know that NAIDOC week has been celebrated since 1972!
Cecelia Wright (nee See Kee) | Project Officer
QCOSS IPSU
20 Pidgeon Close, West End, QLD, 4101
20 Pidgeon Close, West End, QLD, 4101
PO Box 3786 SOUTH BRISBANE, QLD, 4101
Direct: 07 3004 6922
Reception: 07 3004 6900 / 1800 110 869
Mobile:
Fax: 07 3004 6999
E-mail: ceceliaw@ipsu.com.au
Web: www.qcoss.org.au
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