This year’s NAIDOC Week Theme, “50 Years Deadly,” celebrates the achievements, strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past 50 years since NAIDOC became a national movement. While this milestone is significant, it also reminds us that First Nations cultures are the oldest continuing cultures in the world, with over 60,000 years of history, knowledge and connection to Country. It is a time to reflect on how far we have come, honour those who have paved the way and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations peoples.

At Chisholm Catholic College, we proudly marked NAIDOC Week with a range of activities that brought our school community together in celebration. Each morning, the fire was lit in our Yarning Circle, welcoming students and staff into the day and creating a space for reflection, connection and community as we celebrated the week together.

Tuesday was a highlight of the week, with our First Nations students joining with Bethany farmer, participating in a special cultural art incursion. Throughout the day, students also enjoyed making their own traditional damper, sharing it with jam and honey while learning about the cultural significance of this much-loved bush food. Staff were also treated to a delicious lunch of homemade yonga (kangaroo) stew and damper, providing an opportunity to come together and celebrate First Nations culture through food and conversation.

Throughout the week, our Year 9 and 10 Pastoral Care Groups worked collaboratively with their PCAs to decorate their own Message Sticks. The First Nations Education Team supplied each PCG with wooden message sticks, paint pens and art materials, encouraging students to explore symbolism, storytelling and creativity inspired by Aboriginal culture. Every PCG also received a Noongar Words poster to display in their classrooms, supporting the ongoing use and recognition of the Noongar language within our school community.

NAIDOC Week continues to be an important opportunity for our community to learn, celebrate and strengthen our understanding of First Nations histories, cultures and achievements. We thank everyone who participated and helped make this year’s celebrations so meaningful.

Miss Amy McGuire, Mr Tyler Senge & Mr John Swindells
First Nations Education Team