This year’s theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud, resonated throughout our celebrations, encouraging us to embrace and express our shared cultural identity with pride and confidence.
Reflecting on the Theme
The theme Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud inspired us to celebrate the vibrant and enduring cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It emphasised the importance of maintaining our cultural heritage, expressing our identities boldly, and standing proud in our traditions and stories.
Activities
Dedicated Religion Lesson: Our religion classes focused on the importance of NAIDOC Week. We delved into the theme Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud, discussing how we can actively preserve and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural identities and how these cultures are ones that all Australians can be proud of. This lesson provided students with a deeper understanding of the significance of NAIDOC Week and the powerful message behind this year’s theme. Some students created their own posters to represent this year’s theme:
Didgeridoo (Yidaki) Workshop: The Year 10 Music class, along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, participated in a Didgeridoo (Yidaki) workshop. This workshop was an enriching experience, allowing the students and staff to learn about the cultural significance of the Yidaki and gain hands-on experience in playing this traditional instrument. It was a wonderful way to connect with the musical traditions of Aboriginal culture and express this cultural heritage through music.
School Mural Project: One of the highlights of our NAIDOC Week celebrations was the painting of our second school mural. Building on the animals featured in our first mural, this new artwork expands the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture within our school. The mural not only beautifies our school environment but also serves as a constant reminder of the rich cultural heritage we are privileged to be part of. It stands as a testament to our commitment to keeping the fire burning, loud and proud.
Conclusion
Our NAIDOC Week celebrations were a tremendous success, offering us valuable opportunities to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Let us continue to honour and respect the cultural heritage of this land, keeping the fire burning bright, loud, and proud in our everyday lives.
